BMW have now decided which rider they prefer between Brad Binder and Manuel Gonzalez

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BMW are targeting three Grand Prix riders for their World Superbikes team, a year after signing Miguel Oliveira.

MotoGP race-winner Danilo Petrucci is out of contract at the end of the season, and BMW are looking for a new teammate for Oliveira.

According to Speedweek, the German factory have shortlisted Brad Binder, Manuel Gonzalez and Jack Miller.

Why Brad Binder needs Manuel Gonzalez to join Ducati

Binder has lost his KTM seat for 2027 after Pit Beirer moved for Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. He doesn’t appear to be in contention for any seats elsewhere, not even satellite team Tech3.

Gonzalez has been linked with Tech3, but Moto2 teammate Senna Agius is the favourite for that seat, which would likely see him partner Luca Marini.

What more does Manuel Gonzalez need to do to get a MotoGP ride?

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As such, the oft-overlooked intermediate class leader is considering switching disciplines. Speedweek say he is ‘high on the shopping list’ for both Ducati and BMW in WSBK.

Given Ducati’s present dominance – they have won every single race this year – they are naturally the more appealing option. Nicolo Bulega’s anticipated VR46 move will open up a seat.

Still, BMW haven’t given up hope of landing Gonzalez, but Binder and Miller will ‘move up the shortlist’ if he turns them down.

Gonzalez has been stuck in Moto2 for five seasons now despite winning nine races and scoring 23 podiums. He will only be 24 at the start of next season, so he may be seen as a smarter long-term investment than a couple of MotoGP veterans.

Binder and Oliveira were previously teammates at KTM in 2021 and 2022, so a reunion could be on the cards.

Miller also partnered the Portuguese rider at Pramac last year. While he won the battle to partner Toprak Razgatlioglu, his deal is not expected to be renewed as Izan Guevara moves up from Moto2.