BMW's WorldSBK lineup uncertain as Petrucci contract not renewed

BMW has chosen not to exercise the contract extension option for Italian rider Danilo Petrucci, leaving his future with the factory team unclear beyond the end of 2026. The decision follows a season hampered by injuries and inconsistent results. Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira also faces an uncertain future, with reports that his management is in talks with Ducati.

The German marque is reportedly focusing on Spanish Moto2 leader Manuel González as its primary target for the 2027 roster, although González is said to be aiming for a MotoGP seat. BMW’s roster decisions are critical to its ambition of challenging Ducati’s dominance in the WorldSBK championship, and upcoming races such as the round at Donington Park will be pivotal in shaping the final lineup.

The situation underscores the high‑stakes nature of rider contracts in the WorldSBK paddock, where performance, injury history, and market dynamics drive team strategies.