WSBK | Silly Season | 2026

I figure WSBK should have its own silly season thread, right?

This past weekend's sudden separation between Tito Rabat and Yamaha Moto X Racing:

https://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2025/Rabat+and+Motoxracing+Yamaha+split+after+five+rounds+of+2025

 

Bulga wants Pirro's job.

Toprak as per usual is allowing Kenan to stoke the fires of every rumor mill possible. GP with no less than 3 different teams all "interested"...

GG - MA

Lowes and Bassani both back at Bimota

Iker and Xavi both in the hot seat - unfairly I'd add.

Rea wants to have Marc VDS run a 2 bike team next to Lowes and take zero salary but have a bonus driven contract for next year.

I'd move Montella up into Botox boy's seat at Go Eleven.

Danilo likely stays put.

Aegerter out and Manzi in is my guess.

Redding out unless he finds some form soon.

Alvaro will take a huge pay cut just to stay on the Factory Duc.


Maybe a couple GP castaways stir it up like Rins or Fernandez.

 

I'd like to see Toprak on a Duc...

 

HRC needs fresh meat and better development. Miller would be good here. Rins is done done based on the way he walks. Im halfway shocked they haven't discussed limb saving surgery on his leg as long as its taken to fix.

 

Rinaldi is replacing him.

 

How much does Rabat's dad "chip in" for his rides? Yeah, he was moto2 champ but that was back when Disco ruled NYC.

 

Why would he want that? Seems like a downgrade for Bulega and I doubt that after winning the SBK championship he'll want to effectively retire into a MotoGP testing seat.

I like Toprak as a rider; I've fatigued on the melodrama around his next seat.

Baggers?

Sounds right.

I think Miller filling in here could be great. He's got a young child. SBK calendar is less travel and he could get some duckets.

I applaud Iannone for trying, but I don't think it's gonna happen for him. Manzi should for sure step up and agree on Redding. If Iannone gets the punt, is it a stretch to see him land at Go Eleven? I think Ducati want the factory seat for someone else? I know we think of Miller as a development rider, but how about Miller to the factory duc instead? I don't think Alvaro has the edge any longer..

Not sure about Rins. The guy is really hurt and the fact that he's still riding a GP bike is extraordinary. Which Fernandez? Raul is described as jewel in Aprilia's eyes, but Augusto could be a good candidate to go to Honda WSBK?

Also isn't there a pretty significant upheaval at Honda / HRC WSBK happening?

 

I'd love to see Gerloff on Redding's bike.

 

I have been watch shopping in their jewelry stores in Barcelona and Madrid. They definitely aren’t poor.

 

HRC makes a move

https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1070768/1/jack-miller-received-offer-exit-pramac-yamaha-2026

 

I think this is where Jack will end up. It would be a great swangsong to see him win in SBK w/ factory Ducati. However, the more likely scenario is this IMO.

 

100% this. I'm so bummed to see GG31 on the right equipment but at the wrong time. I think he'd be doing better if now if he was still on the BMW. But perhaps I'm looking through rose tinted glasses and he's the common denominator....

 

Miller might get offered another year with Pramac but I'd bet he could have almost any ride he wanted in WSBK.

He Could easily become another WSBK God at Ducati.

 

Agreed but I don't see there being any room at Ducati. At least not in factory colors.

 

GG is still an amazing talent. But that killer side we saw in before Assen never came back. His starts are constantly backwards and he uses his great ability to keep the tires for later. But with Qualifying so bad it is a big ask for him to get in the top 10 now. His team is a cplus level team at best. His bike is the only one on the grid without aero. It is truly depressing to see this great talent that never fully blossomed making up the numbers. I seriously hope he finds some form that some good team takes a chance on him. We need a US rider in the series like there is no tomorrow. For me that is true, as he has been the biggest reason I buy the subscription. Though watching Toprak fight an immeasurably faster DUC has been entertaining. I am starting to feel bad for the guy. On a duc the field would not have a chance. I hope he goes to MGP.

And please, PLEASE no GG to MA on Baggers.

 

I read today that Reddings Ducati Bonovo team is all but certain to pull out - maybe even before the next round in 3 weeks time.

 

I wouldn't doubt it. They already died and came back to life from last year to now. I'm sure there were promises and high hopes moving to the Ducati platform and just having one rider (who was previously successful on a Ducati too). Those results just aren't materializing. Redding is one of the last Ducs across the line consistently.

 

What happened to Reddings deal with that plastic race suit company? I noticed that almost immediately he was no longer wearing the suit.

Bummed to see GG fighting for his life on a bike that was absolutely THE bike to be on just a few years ago. (Gen6 is basically just a Gen5 lol) I've always been a fan of Kawi and I just built a 2025 ZX10R because I feel like I can still be competitive on it at the club level (also have a lot of spares from the Gen5) But they really are moving backwards at this point and they're doing it FAST. They're basically no where, even in stock classes at National levels across the world.

I feel like Ianonne and Aegerter are very much on borrowed time. Alvaro will do anything to stay with Ducati it seems (except perform) HRC needs a refresh. MIE Honda needs a refresh too. There's a TON of fast guys in WSSP right now just foaming at the mouth. This has been a great year to watch WSSP. I really hope some of those guys get the bump for 2026.

 

Would you supply Redding with suits if his team is literally gonna fold any minute before the season ends?

 

Wasn't just him, I think I remember two others contracted to wear 'em walked away almost immediately after signing with them.