– Several MotoGP riders will leave the premier class paddock after the 2026 season. These include Brad Binder, Alex Rins, Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli, and Maverick Vinales. Their future is uncertain.
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“My manager is probably on the road right now doing his job,” Binder says about his current situation. “So we have to wait and see what happens. I mean, it’s clear: when one door closes, another opens.”
“So let’s see, let’s see what we can find. And then we’ll make a decision.” The South African also admits that he currently has nothing concrete: “Who knows right now. Let’s see, let’s see.”
Miller is also currently in limbo. “Nothing at the moment. As soon as I have something, I’ll tell you,” he said recently at the Sachsenring. Rumors link the Australian with Yamaha in the Superbike World Championship.
Binder’s manager is also said to have inquired around the Superbike paddock, especially with the Ducati teams Aruba, Go Eleven, and Barni. But Franco Morbidelli could also be a candidate for the Ducati factory team.
“No, there is nothing I can say,” Morbidelli also kept quiet about his future recently at the Sachsenring. First, Nicolo Bulega’s future must be finalized.
He has a MotoGP offer from Ducati to ride for VR46. It is said to be a one-year contract with an option for a second year. The details are still being clarified between Ducati, VR46, and Bulega.
Bulega’s Superbike seat highly sought after
Once Bulega’s MotoGP future is formally settled, Ducati officials can consider who will be Iker Lecuona’s teammate next year. The list of interested parties is long.
Stefano Cecconi, Serafino Foti, and Gigi Dall’Igna can take their time making a decision. Because they know that the Panigale is the best bike on the grid and riders are lining up to get this seat.
“First of all, I want to emphasize that there is no name yet for a possible successor,” Aruba boss Cecconi is quoted by GPOne.com. “First and foremost, it has to be a rider who really wants it.”
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“A rider who is happy to join this project. Someone who feels excluded, angry at the world, or bent on revenge or reparation does not embody the spirit we like to see in a rider.”
“I want someone who is happy to be here, who sees this as the best place to be. Someone who is satisfied with the conditions and does not feel underestimated or like a victim of injustice.”
“If you start with this attitude, then honestly, I don’t want to pay anyone just to show them: I want people who are convinced they are in the right place.”
Rins has also expressed his interest: “Honestly, no, I have nothing in this paddock for next year. We are trying to find something in the Superbike World Championship, but at the moment I have nothing.”
“We’re just trying to find a good bike. As I said at previous Grands Prix, I’ve been struggling a lot for three years. It’s a bit lacking to be at the front, to get on the podium.”
Rins’ last top result was in spring 2023 with the win in Austin. He definitely wants to race next year: “If you still feel competitive, you don’t want to end your career.”
“So, yes, certainly, this seat, this Ducati seat – if Bulega came here, it would definitely be a sought-after seat. But yes, let’s see,” said Rins. Binder’s last podium dates back to the 2024 season opener.
Miller has not been on the podium since spring 2023. Morbidelli secured two third places last year but is currently in the shadow of his VR46 teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio.
There is another rider who could be involved in the poker for the free Ducati seat or a seat in the BMW team: Manuel Gonzalez. If he does not get the seat at Tech3, Gonzalez could also look towards the Superbike World Championship.
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