P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The 2026 WorldSBK Championship is on the horizon, with another year of exciting racing ahead in the production-based series.
The 2026 WorldSBK Championship is anticipated with a new season of thrilling races in the production-based series approaching.
The 2026 rider lineup has been meticulously curated by Motorsport Week, signaling various changes in the series.
Defending champion Toprak Razgatlioglu has left BMW and WorldSBK to join Pramac Yamaha in MotoGP for the upcoming season, completing a direct swap with Miguel Oliveira.
BMW has reassigned Michael van der Mark to the test roster, thereby forming a fresh line-up with Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci.
In Bologna, factory-backed Aruba.it Ducati retains Nicolo Bulega and welcomes former Honda rider Iker Lecuona, as two-time WorldSBK champion Alvaro Bautista moves on to join Barni Spark Racing.
Honda HRC will feature a new lineup of Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra in 2026, while retirement-bound Jonathan Rea takes on a role as a test rider for Honda, leading to Xavi Vierge replacing him at Yamaha.
The 2026 WorldSBK line-up includes notable changes and fresh pairings across various teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
