The transfer market continues to be a hive of activity behind the scenes in WorldSBK. Just one year after convincing Miguel Oliveira to leave MotoGP and join their factory team, BMW is already planning its next move. With Danilo Petrucci's contract expiring, the German manufacturer is now searching for the Portuguese rider's future teammate. And the profiles they've selected speak volumes about Munich's ambitions.
According to speedweekThree names appear at the top of the list: Brad Binder, Manuel Gonzalez et Jack MillerThree drivers, three generations, and three very different bets.
On paper, it's Manuel Gonzalez He almost appears to be the ideal candidate. Leading the Moto2 championship, the Spaniard has consistently impressed since the start of the season without benefiting from the media exposure reserved for some of his rivals.
Only at 24 years At the start of next season, it primarily represents a long-term investment. After five seasons in Moto2, the time may have come for him to move on.
Corn (Mais) BMW she is not alone on the case. Ducati is also interested in the Spanish driver and probably has the most compelling argument in the paddock: the Panigale V4 RWith the likely promotion of Nicholas Bulega towards MotoGP at VR46A particularly coveted spot could become available in the official team Aruba Ducati.
It is difficult to imagine an ambitious young rider today refusing the motorcycle that is literally crushing the Superbike World Championship.
The situation of Brad Binder is delicate. The current pilot KTM In MotoGP, he finds himself without a ride for 2027, and the doors seem to be closing one after another. Tech3 doesn't appear interested in his profile and BMW would only consider it an alternative choice today.
In other words, the South African's chances are directly linked to the decision of Manuel GonzalezIf the Spaniard chooses Ducati or pursues his career elsewhere. Binder will immediately move up in the candidate hierarchy.
A meeting with Miguel Oliveira This would also make a certain sporting sense. The two men have already shared the pit box KTM in MotoGP in 2021 and 2022 and know each other perfectly.
BMW is playing a very different tune from Ducati
The third man is none other than Jack Millerwhose future increasingly resembles a gigantic game of musical chairs. Sidelined from Pramac Yamaha MotoGP for 2027 and far from having convinced Yamaha By opening the doors to his Superbike project, the Australian is gradually seeing his options dwindle.
BMW However, it could offer him an interesting project. His MotoGP experience, media profile, and ability to develop a machine remain strong arguments for a manufacturer looking to continue progressing. Here again, a working relationship already exists with Miguel Oliveira since the two drivers were teammates at Pramac.
There where Ducati seems to be able to choose from the best young talents available thanks to the dominance of its Panigale, BMW is still in a construction phase. The German manufacturer is not simply looking for the fastest driver, but the one who best fits its sporting project.
A young prodigy like Gonzalez To build the future? One Brad Binder A vengeful person looking to revive their career? Or a Jack Miller capable of bringing their experience and personality? All three options make sense.
One thing, however, seems certain: if Manuel Gonzalez chooses Ducati BMW will likely acquire an experienced MotoGP rider. If the Spaniard accepts the German challenge, however, it could be one of the best signings of the 2027 Superbike transfer window.
The choice of Gonzalez could therefore have a much greater domino effect than it seems, also determining the future of Brad Binder and Jack Miller.
