Riders have switched teams for the 2026 season, riders have left the series, some retired some moved to new classes, with six new rookies lining up on the WSBK grid.

The wait is almost over for World Superbike enthusiasts, round one of the 2026 championship at the scenic circuit of Phillip Island is just around the corner.

Some WSBK riders have switched seats for the 2026 season, Iker Lecuona has made the move over to Aruba Ducati, Alvaro Bautista has switched to Barni Spark Ducati, Xavi Vierge is now a GRT Yamaha rider, Danilo Petrucci has replaced Toprak Razgatlioglu at Rokit BMW Motorrad WorldSBK .

Toprak, Jonathan Rea, Michael Van Der Mark, Scott Redding, Ryan Vickers, Zaqhwan Zaidi Tito Rabat, Dominic Aegerter and Michael Ruben Rinaldi have all gone from the WSBK class. Britain’s Ryan Vickers is wildcarding for round one with Honda HRC.

Rookies for the 2026 season are Miguel Oliveira, Jake Dixon, Somkiat Chantra, Alberto Surra, Stefano Manzi and Matia Rato.

Lorenzo Baldassarri makes his return to the class with GoEleven, replacing Italian rider Andrea Iannone, the maniac has yet to announce his 2026 season plans, he will not be lining up on the grid for round one.

The WorldSBK class has just completed a two-day test at Phillip Island, unfortunately both Honda rider’s Dixon and Chantra have been declared unfit to take part in round one, the Brit had a crash on day two and has suffered a left wrist fracture and an elbow contusion. Dixon’s team-mate Chantra injured himself training prior to the Australian test, the Thai rider has fractured right forearm.

Straight from the off the bookies favorite for the 2026 title is Italian Nicolo Bulega, it’s all to play for who will take the title challenge to the Aruba Ducati rider.

Featured Image: WorldSBK.com