Marco Bezzecchi
Brad Binder’s attention is drawn to World Superbikes as he is likely to leave MotoGP in 2026. He is fighting for a spot with BMW in 2027.
Everything is pointing towards the South African leaving the MotoGP paddock at the end of his KTM contract in 2026. KTM have announced Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio will race with the team in 2027.
Binder is no longer on Tech3’s shortlist for 2027, making his options in MotoGP slim to none for 2027. Subsequently, he is now pursuing a move to WSBK, and one seat has opened up.
Will Brad Binder be on the MotoGP grid in 2027?
Brad Binder is eyeing a seat with BMW in WSBK in 2027
According to a report from Motosprint, ‘the doors of WSBK are open’ for the South African, but Binder has indicated that he wants to race for a factory team.
As it happens, BMW are likely to move Danilo Petrucci on for 2027, opening up a seat at the German outfit for Binder. However, he is facing strong competition.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Brad Binder from career stats to wife
According to the report, Moto2 championship leader Manu Gonzalez is also ‘really in the mix’ for the BMW seat. The Spaniard is exploring his options for 2027 as he looks set to leave the intermediate class.
Gonzalez has been linked with Tech3 and Trackhouse, but MotoGP seats have long eluded him, and he is keeping his options open. It is understood that he and Binder are the strong candidates to replace Petrucci at BMW.
Other riders such as Aron Canet, Jack Miller and Maverick Vinales have also been mentioned, but Binder and Gonzalez look to be further up the pecking order.
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In Binder’s case, he might have an advantage. His KTM crew chief, Phil Marron, previously worked at BMW with three-time WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu before the Turkish rider moved to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha.
With his options dwindling, Binder must get Razgatlioglu’s help to land him the BMW seat. Marron could also be a huge factor in getting the 30-year-old into the team and getting his career back on track.
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