The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization have officially released the full entry lists for the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), FIM Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) and the brand-new FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB).
This upcoming season will be remembered as one of the most diverse and technologically varied ever seen, with thirteen manufacturers committed across the three categories — the largest collective participation in modern WorldSBK-era history.
The calendar begins early: WorldSBK and WorldSSP return to action on 20 February at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia, a track known for its fast corners, fierce winds and unpredictable racing. WorldSPB, the newly introduced 400cc-based sportbike category, begins its inaugural season on 27 March in Portimão, a circuit famous for its elevation changes and blind, technical braking zones.
All classes will participate in official pre-season tests before the opening rounds. WorldSBK and WorldSSP carry out final preparations on 16–17 February at Phillip Island, while WorldSPB receives its dedicated test at Portimão on 23 March, giving teams a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their machinery.
WorldSBK (22 Riders – 14 Teams – 8 Nationalities)
The 2026 WorldSBK entry list confirms sweeping changes across the grid. Several established names take on new colours, while a number of promising riders step into the premier production-based class for the first time. The result is a refreshed, highly competitive grid with representation spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, preserving the international identity of the championship.
Ducati: Bulega Leads Title Charge, Lecuona Joins, Bautista Begins New Chapter
Two-time Championship runner-up Nicolo Bulega continues with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, seeking to finally convert his title challenge into a championship victory after consecutive seasons finishing second.
He is joined by Iker Lecuona, who moves across from Honda after multiple years working to develop the Fireblade. Meanwhile, triple WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista takes on a new role at Barni Spark Racing Team, adding significant experience to Ducati’s satellite efforts.
BMW: A Completely New Line-Up Targets a Third Title
The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, which enters 2026 having claimed back-to-back Riders’ Championships, unveils a fully refreshed line-up: Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira.
Both riders bring MotoGP pedigree and proven winning ability, setting high expectations for the German manufacturer as it looks to maintain its upward momentum.
Yamaha: Structural Overhaul and New Pairings for 2026
Yamaha introduces major structural updates across its factory and satellite teams:
- Xavi Vierge joins Andrea Locatelli at Pata Maxus Yamaha, bringing additional experience and development insight.
- Stefano Manzi, the 2025 WorldSSP Champion, steps up to the premier class with GYTR GRT Yamahaalongside Remy Gardner, reinforcing Yamaha’s long-term talent pipeline.
Honda: A Completely Rebuilt Rider Line-Up
Honda’s approach to 2026 is bold and decisive. The manufacturer fields an entirely new rider pairing:
- Jake Dixon, known for his aggressive racecraft and podium-contending speed in Moto2
- Somkiat Chantra, one of Asia’s most accomplished intermediate-class talents
Honda hopes this fresh combination will help extract the untapped potential of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and elevate the team back into consistent podium contention.
Newcomers Strengthen the Grid
Three additional riders — Lorenzo Baldassarri, Alberto Surra, and Mattia Rato — also join the WorldSBK category, adding youthful talent and increasing competition across the mid-field and beyond.
WorldSSP (33 Riders – 21 Teams – 14 Nationalities)
The 2026 WorldSSP category reaches a major milestone: nine different manufacturers are represented, making it one of the most technically diverse grids in Supersport history. This level of manufacturer involvement underscores the championship’s healthy direction and growing global appeal.
ZX Moto Joins the Grid
New manufacturer ZX Moto steps into the category with a strong rider pairing:
- Valentin Debise
- Federico Caricasulo
Both riders bring a wealth of experience, giving the debuting brand a competitive starting point.
Major Rider Movements
The off-season brought several high-profile changes:
- Can Öncü, runner-up in the 2025 standings, signs with Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing, the most successful team in WorldSSP history with eleven Riders’ Championships.
- Dominique Aegerter, the 2021 and 2022 WorldSSP Champion, returns to the class after his stint in WorldSBK, this time riding for Kawasaki as part of their renewed middleweight programme.
With 33 riders representing 14 nationalities, the 2026 Supersport season shapes up as one of the most competitive ever.
WorldSPB (33 Riders – 18 Teams – 16 Nationalities)
The Inaugural Season: A New Era for the Sportbike Category
The new FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB) officially launches in 2026, bringing together manufacturer-backed 400cc sportbikes from:
Aprilia, Kawasaki, Kove, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha
The emphasis of WorldSPB is to bridge the gap between lightweight entry-level racing and higher-tier Supersport classes, providing young riders with a refined development platform.
Champions and Rising Stars Highlight the Grid
The category brings together an exciting blend of proven winners and ambitious newcomers.
Former WorldSSP300 Champions:
- Benat Fernandez (2025)
- Jeffrey Buis (2020 & 2023)
Both graduate to the new class, ensuring the level at the front will be immediately competitive.
A Strong Field of New Talent
A large group of riders make the step onto the world stage, including:
Xavi Artigas, Taiko Aksu, Gabin Cazard, Julian Correa, Alvaro Fuertes, Arai Agaska, Alessandro Di Persio, Thomas Benetti, Harrison Dessoy, Mattia Sorrenti, Ferre Fleerackers, Kas Beekman.
This broad lineup gives WorldSPB a distinctly international dimension, with riders representing nations across Europe, Asia, North America and South America.
