WorldSBK

Upheaval in the 2027 Superbike World Championship: What will change with Michelin

There are just four rounds of the 2026 World Superbike Championship remaining, after which Pirelli’s era as the sole tyre supplier will come to an end. Successor Michelin will draw on the expertise it has gained in MotoGP.

Works rider Andrea Locatelli on the Yamaha R1: Great, but old

The 2026 Superbike World Championship is looking set to be Andrea Locatelli’s first season without a podium finish. The same applies to the Yamaha R1, which has been in use since 2016.

Major shake-up in the World Superbike Championship: two careers come to an end – Jack Miller stands to benefit

Everything points to the Spaniard Xavier Vierge joining the top Ducati team, Barni, for the 2027 Superbike World Championship. The consequences of this affect Jack Miller, Alvaro Bautista and Danilo Petrucci.

Maria Herrera (29) was overlooked: “Because I’m a woman”

As a WorldWCR champion and a competitor in international motorbike racing series, Maria Herrera has earned respect. However, the Spaniard laments the discrimination she faced at the start of her career.

Freudenberg KTM looks back: “From then on, we didn’t stand a chance”

With the abolition of the Supersport 300 World Championship, KTM and the Freudenberg team have disappeared from the paddock of the production-based world championship. An important lesson was learnt from their involvement.

Honda’s star test rider Jonathan Rea (39): “Knowing what we need to work on”

As an official test rider, Jonathan Rea is tasked with steering Honda Racing Corporation back to success in the World Superbike Championship. A mammoth task for the six-time world champion.

Sportbike talent from France: Wildcard for Evann Plaindoux (18)

The Sportbike class has not yet been introduced in the French championship, though there is a Yamaha R7 Cup. At the round at Magny-Cours, the champion, Evann Plaindoux, will make his World Championship debut.

There’s a lot of interest in the KTM Supersport – will the race kit be ready in time?

KTM’s development team is working flat out to make the 990 RC R race-ready for 2027. Teams from the Supersport World Championship have also taken note of this and have already been in touch with the company in Mattighofen.

Confident Jake Dixon (Honda): “I can make the difference”

With a test marathon during the 2026 Superbike World Championship summer break, Honda is attempting to close the huge gap. Jake Dixon is ready to step up to the plate.