Reigning World Supersport champion Albert Arenas will move up to WorldSBK with Team GoEleven Ducati for the 2027 season, completing the series’ full-time grid, the series announced. Arenas, who won the 2026 title, will join returning rider Lorenzo Baldassarri as the team expands to a two-bike operation.
The announcement completes a 2027 grid that underwent significant reshaping through a series of contract signings, renewals, and rider swaps confirmed throughout the 2026 season. Arenas, who clinched the World Supersport title in 2026, will partner with Lorenzo Baldassarri at GoEleven, which expands from a single-bike operation to a two-rider program, according to series officials.
Nicolo Bulega will depart Aruba.it Racing – Ducati for MotoGP, with Franco Morbidelli announced as his replacement at the factory Ducati squad, creating a direct swap between the championships, according to team announcements.
The 2027 rider market saw several major moves finalized before the season’s conclusion. BMW confirmed Brad Binder will partner Miguel Oliveira at ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2027, with Oliveira’s contract extension for “2027 and beyond” announced before the Magny-Cours round.
Jack Miller will make the transition from MotoGP to WorldSBK, joining Yamaha for 2027, series records show. The move was announced after the French Round, following Xavi Vierge’s departure from the manufacturer. Vierge will link up with Barni Spark Racing Team, replacing Alvaro Bautista, according to team officials.
Several teams locked in their lineups during the 2026 season. At the Emilia-Romagna Round, Kawasaki WorldSBK Team confirmed Garrett Gerloff would remain for 2027. The Misano round brought confirmation that Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani would stay with bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. During World Ducati Week, Barni Spark Racing Team announced Yari Montella would continue for a fifth year with the team across WorldSSP and WorldSBK competition.
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati secured Iker Lecuona’s services through 2028, with the renewal announced early in the summer break. Honda HRC confirmed a contract extension with Somkiat Chantra through 2027, announced ahead of the 2026 season’s penultimate round.
Sam Lowes signed a two-year deal with ELF Marc VDS Racing Team covering 2027, according to team officials. Andrea Locatelli, Stefano Manzi, and Remy Gardner all hold Yamaha Motor Europe contracts for 2027. Jake Dixon signed a multi-year agreement with Honda HRC when he moved from Moto2 to WorldSBK, records show.
Independent teams also finalized their rider lineups. Superbike Advocates agreed to retain Tommy Bridewell for the upcoming season. Motocorsa Racing confirmed Alberto Surra, the 2026 breakout performer, would remain with the team. Motoxracing WorldSBK Team will retain Mattia Rato and Twan Smits for 2027.
GoEleven’s expansion to two bikes marks a change for the independent squad, which fielded a single entry during the 2026 season. Baldassarri’s return was confirmed earlier in the signing period, with Arenas’ addition completing the team’s 2027 roster.
The 2027 WorldSBK season is scheduled to begin in February, with the finalized grid now set across all full-time entries.
