2026 WorldSBK: First test of the year for Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira.

Jerez de la Frontera. The new chapter of BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) is gaining momentum: this week, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team completed its first laps of the year with its two new riders, Miguel Oliveira (POR) and Danilo Petrucci (ITA). Two test days were scheduled as part of the 2026 season preparations at the Andalusian circuit in Jerez de la Frontera (ESP). However, adverse weather conditions led to delays and reduced track time. The season preparations will continue next week in Portimão (POR).

Petrucci will compete in the 2026 WorldSBK season aboard the #9 BMW M 1000 RR, while Oliveira’s BMW Superbike will carry the number 88. Both riders had their first opportunity to get to know the team and the bikes in Jerez de la Frontera last November. Now, at the same venue, the intensive work began to prepare as thoroughly as possible for the season opener at Phillip Island in Australia (20th to 22nd February).

Reactions after the test in Jerez de la Frontera.

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “2026 officially kicked off in Jerez under challenging weather conditions. After defending the title last year, the clock has now been reset to zero and the full focus is on the start of the season. The onboarding of Miguel and Danilo is in full swing, and we are doing our best to prepare optimally during the two pre-season tests. Phillip Island is already just one month away, and we will give everything to deliver a strong start to the season there.”

Christian Gonschor, Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “The test in Jerez de la Frontera was somewhat different from what we had planned due to the rainy conditions, but it was very productive as a result. Both Miguel and Danilo adapted to the bike very quickly and showed excellent performance on the BMW M 1000 RR in wet conditions. They felt comfortable – that was the most important thing. Both within the team and on the bike. They had confidence in the motorcycle, including the electronics. This allowed us to improve step by step over the course of the first day to move both riders up to the top positions in the timesheets. Due to the rapidly improving conditions, we were able to add three productive dry hours today after a successful wet session yesterday. This puts us in an optimal position for the upcoming Portimão test. Different tyres were used across the field, which somewhat distorted the results. Our riders are gradually building more confidence and understanding of their machinery on race tyres, the new components are working flawlessly, and the new team members have already become an integral part of our racing family. We are all eagerly looking forward to the start of the season together and thank the test team and Mickey for their great work.”

Danilo Petrucci, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was two long days even if we did not have the chance to ride a lot. I really enjoyed to be on the bike, especially in wet conditions. It’s really one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden in the rain. For sure, it’s a long process because this bike is really different from what I was used. But the potential is really, really high. But you have to know the bike. On day one, I was really happy, on the second day the track was not in perfect conditions. We saw many crashes from the wet patches. But is was still useful because the conditions were very different compared to the November test so we understood that me and the bike need something different. Hopefully next week in Portimão we will have better conditions and we will gather some more experience.”

Miguel Oliveira, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It has been the first test of the year after the winter break and there have been much expectations for these two days obviously, getting to know the bike and the team better. I think we achieved that, we ticked another box which was to solve some issues and as well to get to know each other better and that’s the way to go. We need more time, we know that, but at the same time, there is a lot of expectation. But right now we just need to be patient and achieve the best outcome possible for myself in that short period of time.”