SBK rookies Binder, Miller, Morbidelli: Where Stefan Bradl sees the MotoGP aces

Over the years, it has become clear that only former MotoGP riders are successful in the World Superbike Championship if they are willing to embrace the production-based series and actually want to compete in it. All GP winners possess outstanding talent, and this also applies to next year’s Superbike rookies Brad Binder, Jack Miller and Franco Morbidelli.

Stefan Bradl, the 2011 Moto2 World Champion and, with over 50 top-10 finishes, by far the most successful German MotoGP rider, took the step away from the prototypes himself for the 2017 season with Red Bull Honda, so he has a clear idea of what Binder, Miller and Morbidelli can expect.

The technical regulations are being adjusted for 2027, with the aim of bringing the bikes closer together in performance. Judging by the results of the past three seasons, the circumstances for the three MotoGP riders could hardly be more different.

Different circumstances for the MotoGP riders

Franco Morbidelli is taking over from world champion Nicolo Bulega at Aruba.it Ducati and is stepping into a ready-made success story – the team won every race in 2026! Brad Binder also has a strong bike at BMW, the one on which Toprak Razgatlioglu became champion in 2024 and 2025 and Miguel Oliveira raced to the podium no fewer than four times this year.

Jack Miller faces the toughest challenge at Yamaha with the ageing R1. Andrea Locatelli finished the 2026 World Championship in 12th place as the best of the factory quartet; in 36 races, neither ‘Loka’ nor Remy Gardner, Xavier Vierge or Stefano Manzi managed to make it onto the podium.

For riders like Binder, Miller or Morbidelli, it’s only worth their while if they’re aiming for the podium.

Stefan Bradl

“The question is how a rider copes with the change, not just in terms of the machinery, but the series itself,” says Bradl, speaking from personal experience. “It’s a massive difference; you have to adjust to the level of attention you receive. For Binder and Miller, it’s not such a big change, but just like in MotoGP, they’re dependent on the bike they’re riding. Motorcycle racing has evolved across all classes to the point where the rider no longer has the same level of influence as in the past. You have to be on the right bike to be able to fully demonstrate your skills. If that doesn’t match up in at least some way, then it’s impossible to fight for victories. For someone like Binder, Miller or Morbidelli, it’s only worthwhile if they’re aiming for the podium – if they finish fifth or twelfth, it doesn’t matter.”

Teams & Riders, 2027 Superbike World Championship: