WSBK 2026 Full Lineup: Grid Finally Set for Next Season

The provisional grid for the 2026 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship has been finalized! Lets check them out below.

Subscribe to our Instagram Channel for instant news & updates!

The wait is over as the provisional grid for the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is now complete! After months of speculation, contract renewals, and rider movements, the WorldSBK paddock has finally confirmed the 22 permanent riders set to battle it out next season with Phillip Island being the season opener.

The first announcements for 2026 came from bimota by Kawasaki Racing, securing Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani ahead of the Czech Round in mid-May. Shortly after, Andrea Locatelli was confirmed to continue with Pata Maxus Yamaha through 2027, while Nicolo Bulega signed a one-year deal to remain with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. On the same day, ‘El Turco’ Toprak Razgatlıoğlu was confirmed at Pramac Racing MotoGP, and American rider Garrett Gerloff renewed his one-year contract with Kawasaki.

Marc VDS and Yamaha Updates

Sam Lowes extended his stay at ELF Marc VDS Racing Team for another two years with Ducati, while Yari Montella will continue with Barni Spark Racing Team for a second season. Remy Gardner renewed his two-year deal with GYTR GRT Yamaha, and Stefano Manzi joins Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing for two seasons, stepping up to WorldSBK.

Key Transfers and New Faces

Danilo Petrucci, last season’s Independent Riders’ champion, will move to ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, replacing MotoGP-bound Toprak. Xavi Vierge joins Pata Maxus Yamaha, and factory seats for 2026 were finalized with MotoGP now-former rider Miguel Oliveira at BMW and Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon at Honda HRC. 

Lorenzo Baldassarri returns to the grid with Team Pata GoEleven, while Yamaha Motoxracing maintains Bahattin Sofuoglu and adds rookie Mattia Rato. Tarran Mackenzie will continue with the MGM Racing Performance Team for the 2026 season, riding the Ducati Panigale V4R. Notably, his former team, MIE Racing Team, will not participate in the 2026 campaign.

Meanwhile, Andrea Iannone confirmed a new project as the sole rider for Cainam Racing Team (which means ‘Maniac’ but backwards), while Alberto Surra takes the seat at Motocorsa Racing after impressing as a WorldSSP replacement rider.

A Memorable August for WorldSBK Fans

August 25, 2025, will be remembered as one of the busiest days in WorldSBK history. Iker Lecuona moved from Honda HRC to Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, while 90 minutes later, Jonathan Rea announced his retirement from full-time racing, closing an iconic chapter in the sport. The next day, Alvaro Bautista was confirmed at Barni Spark Racing Team, keeping him aboard the Panigale V4R with an Independent squad.

With all 22 riders confirmed, the 2026 WorldSBK grid is now set. The countdown begins as teams and riders prepare for testing and the season opener at Phillip Island ready for what promises to be another thrilling year of high-octane action for the superbike world championship.