Franco Morbidelli Among Riders Eyeing World Superbike Move as MotoGP Contracts Expire

**Franco Morbidelli is now part of a six-man MotoGP exodus to World Superbike after 2026, with only Luca Marini securing a 2027 seat.** The Italian, alongside Jack Miller, Brad Binder, Alex Rins, and Maverick Viñales, faces an uncertain future as factory teams BMW, Honda, and Ducati hold just three open spots. Morbidelli’s name surfaces in paddock whispers as a rider who could command a €1 million salary-if he chooses to leave MotoGP.

The 2027 MotoGP grid is shrinking fast. **Pramac Yamaha has already confirmed Morbidelli’s exit**, leaving him-and Miller, Binder, Rins, and Viñales-without a premier-class ride next year. World Superbike remains the most viable alternative, but factory teams are tight on seats: BMW (replacing Petrucci), Aruba.it Ducati (replacing Bulega), and Honda each have one spot left.

Morbidelli’s market value could hinge on his willingness to negotiate. **Miller’s reported €1 million demand** sets a benchmark, but Yamaha’s MotoGP director, Paolo Pavesio, dismissed the idea of signing him to World Superbike, citing budget constraints. Honda or BMW, however, might meet such demands-especially if Morbidelli’s 2026 form justifies it.

**A Morbidelli departure would reshape the MotoGP pecking order.** The Italian’s consistency in 2026-finishing fifth in the championship-makes him a prime target for World Superbike’s top teams. His switch would free up a MotoGP seat, likely for a younger talent, while adding star power to Superbike’s midfield.

The timing is critical. **Yamaha’s option on Xavi Vierge expires in September**, leaving Morbidelli and others to act quickly. If he stays in MotoGP, it’ll be with a mid-tier team; if he jumps to Superbike, he’ll need to match Miller’s salary demands-or find a manufacturer willing to pay more.

**Speculation swirls over Morbidelli’s next move.** Ducati’s Andrea Dosoli hinted at flexibility in June, but no commitments exist. Morbidelli’s agent will weigh Superbike’s technical challenges against MotoGP’s higher profile. **A decision by late summer is expected**, with test rides and private negotiations likely before any official announcement.

The bigger question: *Will Morbidelli’s 2026 results-including his top-five finish-be enough to secure a factory seat?* If not, he’ll join Miller in the Superbike wild card pool, where salary talks could get messy. One thing’s certain: **the 2027 grid won’t be finalized until Morbidelli, Binder, and Rins make their choices.**