In a major career move, Brad Binder will leave MotoGP at the end of this season to join BMW's factory WorldSBK team in 2027. The announcement, made on the eve of the Misano round, ends a grand prix career that began in the now-defunct 125cc class in 2011.
“I've been running around [in this paddock] since 2009 pretty much, when I started in the Rookies Cup. So on one hand, it's a little bit sad to be leaving, but I'm also really excited for a new challenge,” Binder said. “I've been in the same place [Red Bull KTM] now for a while, and seven seasons in MotoGP has been fun - or six and a half so far. But it's going to be a new adventure. Something fresh again. Start from zero. I'm excited for a new challenge.”
At BMW, Binder will reunite with former KTM teammate Miguel Oliveira. The pair have been teammates in all three grand prix classes, including at the factory KTM MotoGP squad in 2021 and 2022. “I’d have to sit and count how many times we've been team-mates!” said Binder. “He's a really cool dude, and I always enjoy racing alongside him. I think our riding styles are also quite similar, so it makes it a little bit easier for the guys building the bikes, too.”
Binder made MotoGP history for KTM with victory at Brno in his rookie 2020 season, before adding a second win - on slick tyres in the rain - at the Red Bull Ring the following year. After reaching fourth in the world championship in 2023, Binder claimed his most recent podium at the start of 2024 before slipping to 11th in last year’s standings. The 31-year-old is 13th in this year's world championship, with a best grand prix finish of seventh.
“I'm really excited to start that [new] adventure. However, we've got another half a season here. It's going to be my last, so I better enjoy it. And hopefully, have some good days.”
Binder is set to join Jack Miller and Franco Morbidelli in switching from MotoGP to WorldSBK for 2027, which will also mark Michelin’s first season as the tyre supplier. All three can count on extensive Michelin experience from MotoGP, although Binder expects plenty of other changes. “I think the bikes are completely different to start with, so I think there's going to be a lot to adapt to regardless [of the tyres],” Binder said. “I think it can maybe help. I’ve got a bit of experience on them now, but I don't know how similar they're going to be to our GP tyres. But yeah, it's going to be a cool adjustment, and let's see how we stack up on the other side.”
Meanwhile, Oliveira has taken four podiums with BMW so far in his rookie WorldSBK season. The German manufacturer previously won back-to-back titles with Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2024 and 2025. With Binder's arrival, BMW further strengthens their line-up for the new era of WorldSBK.
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