In a significant move for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Miguel Oliveira has been re-signed for the 2027 World Superbike Championship season. This announcement comes ahead of the French Round at Magny-Cours, where it was also confirmed that Danilo Petrucci will part ways with BMW at the end of the current season.
Oliveira's contract extension is a testament to his impressive performance during his rookie season in WorldSBK. After transitioning from MotoGP, where he spent seven years, Oliveira made a splash by securing podium finishes in all three races at Portimão, showcasing his talent on the M 1000 RR. To date, he has achieved four podiums, solidifying his status as a key rider for the team.
However, the season has not been without its challenges for the 31-year-old from Almada, Portugal. A serious shoulder injury sustained during the Superpole Race at Balaton Park sidelined him for two crucial race events in May and June. His return to racing has been tough, with a retirement in the final race at Misano due to ongoing physical issues and struggles alongside Petrucci at Donington. Despite these setbacks, BMW's management remains optimistic about Oliveira's potential, with Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, expressing confidence in their future together.
Oliveira himself shared his excitement about the contract extension, emphasizing the trust and shared ambition he has with the team. He stated, "We’ve laid the foundations this season, but I believe the best is still ahead of us. I’m excited to continue this journey together and to keep building something we can all be proud of." His commitment to the team reflects a mutual belief in the direction they are heading.
On the other hand, Petrucci's departure marks the end of a one-year stint with BMW that did not yield the expected results. The Italian rider joined the team after a successful period with Barni Spark Racing Team, where he achieved 20 podiums on the Ducati Panigale V4 R. However, adapting to the M 1000 RR proved to be a challenge for him. His best finish this season was a sixth place in a wet Race 2 at Phillip Island, and a fractured coccyx from a highside at Most further complicated his efforts.
Petrucci confirmed that the decision to part ways was mutual, stating, "We decided, both me and BMW, to not continue in WorldSBK next year. It was a mutual decision. We both gave our best and this led us to say we can’t continue together." He acknowledged the difficulties he faced, including injuries and crashes, but remained open to future opportunities with BMW in different capacities or championships.
With Petrucci's exit, the second seat on the BMW team is now available. Reports suggest that factory KTM MotoGP rider Brad Binder is a potential candidate to join Oliveira for the upcoming season. As teams prepare for the next chapter in WorldSBK, the focus will be on how BMW fills this critical position and what the future holds for both Oliveira and the team.
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