BMW OFFERS PETRUCCI A MOTAMERICA ROLE AFTER BINDER’S ARRIVAL

Danilo Petrucci is weighing up a future with BMW after losing his World Superbike seat to Brad Binder for the 2027 season. Binder is set to join former KTM teammate Miguel Oliveira at the German manufacturer, while Petrucci—who arrived from Ducati ahead of this year’s campaign—has yet to secure a race ride for next season.

Speaking during the WorldSBK round at Cremona, the Italian said BMW had offered him a role in MotoAmerica as well as testing work. “The chances of me returning are 50/50,” Petrucci told Motosprint. “I’d like to stay with the manufacturer; I hope it happens. I’d be happy.”

BMW’s offer would keep Petrucci involved with the brand, though not necessarily as a full-time WorldSBK racer. The team has chosen Binder to partner Oliveira in 2027 after Oliveira’s injury-affected first campaign with BMW. The Portuguese rider has recorded a series of third-place finishes, the manufacturer’s strongest results so far this season. Former rider Neil Hodgson has cautioned that Binder will face a demanding challenge on the M1000RR.

Petrucci also voiced broader concerns about the state of WorldSBK as he prepares to leave the category at the end of the year. He objected to riders being expected to bring money to secure a place on the grid. “What’s the point of racing if the teams ask for money?” he said, adding that although it is now common practice, “the way it’s seen from the outside, I don’t like it.”

He also criticised the competitive balance, saying Ducati is dominant while rival machinery is “out of sight.” “I don’t like it,” he said.

Petrucci’s possible move into MotoAmerica would place him in the same championship as Binder’s younger brother, Darryn, who rides in Supersport. Darryn won the 2026 title for Ducati after moving from Moto2 at the end of 2025.