BMW WorldSBK Pre-Season Testing Begins in Jerez Despite Weather Disruptions

Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira make solid progress on the BMW M 1000 RR as preparations continue ahead of the 2026 season opener at Phillip Island.

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The 2026 World Superbike Championship preparations officially got underway for ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team with a two-day pre-season test at the Andalusian Circuit of Jerez de la Frontera in Spain. However, challenging weather conditions, including persistent rain, caused delays and limited valuable track time for teams and riders.

Despite the setbacks, the Jerez test marked an important milestone for BMW’s refreshed rider line-up. Danilo Petrucci will contest the 2026 season aboard the #9 BMW M 1000 RR, while Miguel Oliveira will race with the number 88. Both riders had their first taste of the BMW Superbike during an initial test at the same circuit last November, but the latest outing signalled the start of more intensive preparations ahead of the season opener.

With the first round of the 2026 WorldSBK season set to take place at Phillip Island, Australia, from 20–22 February, the focus in Jerez was on building confidence, understanding the bike, and integrating new team members. Preparations will continue next week at Portimão, Portugal, where more stable conditions are expected.

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, acknowledged the difficulties but remained upbeat about the progress made: “2026 officially kicked off in Jerez under challenging weather conditions. After defending the title last year, the clock has now been reset to zero and the full focus is on the start of the season,” he said. “The onboarding of Miguel and Danilo is in full swing, and Phillip Island is already just one month away.”

BMW’s Technical Director, Christian Gonschor, described the test as productive despite not unfolding as planned: “Both Miguel and Danilo adapted to the bike very quickly and showed excellent performance on the BMW M 1000 RR in wet conditions,” he explained. “They felt comfortable, which was the most important thing. The confidence they had in the bike and the electronics allowed us to improve step by step.”

Gonschor added that improving track conditions on the second day allowed for three useful hours of dry running, helping the team validate new components and build understanding on race tyres ahead of Portimão.

Petrucci, meanwhile, highlighted the bike’s impressive behaviour in wet conditions: “It’s really one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden in the rain,” he said. “The potential is very high, but it’s a long process because this bike is really different from what I was used to. The test was still very useful for learning what the bike needs in different conditions.”

Oliveira echoed the sentiment, stressing patience and steady progress: “This was the first test of the year after the winter break, and there were high expectations,” he said. “I think we achieved our main goals, getting to know the bike and the team better. We know we need more time, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

With limited but encouraging data from Jerez, BMW now turns its attention to the upcoming Portimão test, where clearer conditions should allow the team to continue refining the BMW M 1000 RR ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 WorldSBK season opener.