BMW NARROWS ITS WSBK OPTIONS BETWEEN BRAD BINDER AND MANUEL GONZALEZ

BMW’s WorldSBK plans are starting to take shape, with the German manufacturer targeting a new teammate for Miguel Oliveira a year after signing the Portuguese rider. Danilo Petrucci’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and BMW are now looking for a replacement to join Oliveira.

According to Speedweek, BMW have shortlisted three names: Brad Binder, Manuel Gonzalez and Jack Miller. The report frames Gonzalez as the most intriguing option, but also one that may be difficult to secure. Gonzalez has been linked with a potential Tech3 MotoGP role, yet Speedweek suggests Moto2 teammate Senna Agius is the favourite for that seat—an outcome that would likely pair Agius with Luca Marini. With that possibility in mind, Gonzalez is reportedly considering a switch away from Moto2, where he has spent five seasons despite winning nine races and taking 23 podiums. Speedweek also notes he is “high on the shopping list” for both Ducati and BMW in WorldSBK.

Ducati’s appeal is clear in the same reporting: they have won every race this year, making them the more attractive destination. BMW, however, have not given up on landing Gonzalez, and the shortlist could shift if he declines. Speedweek indicates that Binder and Miller would “move up the shortlist” if Gonzalez turns them down.

Binder’s situation is tied to KTM’s 2027 rider reshuffle. Pit Beirer has moved for Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, leaving Binder without a KTM seat for 2027. The report adds that he does not appear to be in contention elsewhere, including satellite team Tech3. MotoGP News adds further context from the paddock: it says KTM are not currently interested in offering Binder a new contract that would also see him step down to Tech3 in 2027, and that there also seems to be no seats available elsewhere in MotoGP. MotoGP News also notes that Tech3 have yet to confirm any riders for 2027, but that Binder is not in their plans.

A reunion angle also exists: Binder and Oliveira were teammates at KTM in 2021 and 2022. Miller, meanwhile, partnered Oliveira’s former Pramac teammate in 2025, with the report stating Miller worked with Gonzalez at Pramac last year. Still, Miller’s deal is not expected to be renewed as Izan Guevara is set to move up from Moto2.

MotoGP fans, meanwhile, have reacted strongly to the idea that BMW would prioritise Gonzalez over Binder. MotoGP News reports that fans “unanimously” believe BMW are making a mistake, with one commenter saying, “How is this even a debate or a choice (maybe money is a stumbling block)? Brad all day! He is a proven talent,” while others backed Binder with repeated calls of “Binder for sure,” “Binder all the way,” and “Binder every time.”