A significant shift is underway in the world of motorcycle racing as Brad Binder, a veteran of the Grand Prix circuit since 2012, prepares to transition to the production-based WorldSBK championship. BMW has officially announced that Binder will be joining their factory ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for the 2027 season. This move will see him depart from KTM, a brand he has exclusively ridden since 2015, including seven seasons in the premier class.
Binder's arrival at BMW also heralds a reunion with Miguel Oliveira, whose contract extension with the team for 2027 was recently confirmed. This pairing is particularly noteworthy as Binder and Oliveira have a deep-seated history, having shared the garage during their Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP stints with KTM. They hold the distinction of being the only two riders to have ever clinched a MotoGP victory on a KTM machine. Meanwhile, Danilo Petrucci's involvement with the BMW WorldSBK project will conclude after the 2026 season, though BMW Motorrad Motorsport's head, Sven Blusch, expressed gratitude for Petrucci's dedication and hinted at potential future collaborations on other projects.
Binder brings an impressive racing pedigree to the BMW team, despite a recent dip in form. His accolades include the 2016 Moto3 World Championship, two MotoGP wins (Brno in 2020 and Red Bull Ring in 2021, marking KTM's first premier-class victory), nine podium finishes, and Sprint race victories in Argentina and Jerez in 2023. His strongest championship performance was fourth overall in 2023. However, since the beginning of 2024, he has not appeared on a Grand Prix podium, with his last being a second-place finish in Qatar, and he currently ranks 13th overall. Blusch articulated BMW's high expectations for Binder, stating his clear objective is to contend for the World Championship title. While acknowledging the adjustment period required for Binder to adapt to the BMW M 1000 RR and the new championship environment, Blusch exuded confidence in his ability to quickly acclimate.
This strategic signing by BMW signals a strong intent to challenge for the WorldSBK title. The reunion of Binder and Oliveira, two highly skilled and experienced riders with a proven track record, creates an exciting prospect for the team and promises a thrilling 2027 season. Their combined experience and familiarity with each other's racing styles could be a significant asset as they aim to propel BMW to the pinnacle of production-based motorcycle racing. The pursuit of excellence and the relentless drive for success are hallmarks of competitive sport, and this new chapter for Brad Binder with BMW embodies that spirit.
