Brad Binder with BMW in the 2027 Superbike World Championship: only the fourth South African

Brad Binder, an exciting personality and a strong rider, joins the line-up for the 2027 Superbike World Championship. The 31-year-old replaces Danilo Petrucci in the ROKiT BMW works team; the Bavarian manufacturer is seeking a new challenge for Petrucci in a different series or role.

For Binder, the paddock of the production-based World Championship is uncharted territory, although every former GP rider who has made the switch has so far come to appreciate the relaxed atmosphere. However, it will be weeks before we see the South African on the M1000RR for the first time: the MotoGP season does not end until 29 November in Valencia. As was the case a year ago with Miguel Oliveira, BMW will be considering its options regarding winter testing to enable Binder to take part in a test before the end of the year.

Starting a new chapter in his career is motivating for Binder. “It’s really exciting to start something new. I’ve had a good time [in MotoGP] – seven successful seasons – but I’m looking forward to the next adventure,” Binder assured us. “It’s going to be exciting: a completely new paddock, a completely new motorbike. I’m definitely looking forward to getting started there, but I’m also looking forward to my final races here in MotoGP, and hopefully we can make them good races.”

Above all, Binder hopes to be more successful on the track than he has been recently in the premier class. “I’ve had the chance to compete right at the front. It’s much more fun to be in the mix at the front than where I am at the moment. I want to achieve great things,” said the 31-year-old.

For the World Superbike Championship, meanwhile, it’s refreshing to have a new nation represented in the paddock. Binder is only the fourth regular rider from South Africa in the World Superbike Championship, which was established in 1988. The last one was Sheridan Morais twelve years ago, who rode his only full season in 2014. Before that, it was Jonnie Ekerold and Lance Isaacs in 2000. None of them managed to secure a win or a podium finish.

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