Maverick Viñales has turned down an offer to join BMW in WorldSBK for 2026, choosing to remain with KTM’s MotoGP project as BMW explores other rider options.
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BMW’s search for a high-profile MotoGP signing to join their World Superbike project has hit a dead end after Maverick Viñales reportedly rejected an offer to join the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2026.
The German manufacturer is preparing to replace outgoing star Toprak Razgatlioglu and has approached several big names to strengthen its rider line-up. Reports tip Danilo Petrucci to move from Barni Spark Ducati to BMW as Razgatlioglu’s direct replacement, but the future of long-time BMW rider Michael van der Mark remains uncertain. If the Dutchman leaves, BMW will open a second seat.
According to Italian outlet Motosprint, BMW approached Viñales with an offer to make the switch from MotoGP to WorldSBK. The Spaniard, who joined KTM at the start of the 2025 season, has opted to remain with the Austrian manufacturer’s MotoGP project for 2026 instead.
The decision leaves BMW exploring other options for their 2026 roster. Multiple high-profile WorldSBK riders, including Jonathan Rea and Álvaro Bautista, are currently without contracts for that season, alongside Andrea Iannone, Iker Lecuona, and Xavi Vierge.
Viñales’ choice to stay in MotoGP underscores his commitment to competing at the highest level of prototype motorcycle racing, while BMW’s rider market manoeuvres suggest a potentially major shake-up in their WorldSBK squad for the coming years.
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