American Rider Correa Will Compete In All-New 2026 FIM World Sportbike Championship

Former MotoAmerica rider Julián Correa, shown here aboard a Pons Motorsport Italika Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400 at Jerez this past season, will move up to the FIM World Sportbike Championship aboard a Pons Motorsport Italika Racing Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in 2026. *Photo by Life Be Lucky Photography.*

With the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) announcing last year that the FIM World Sportbike Championship is replacing the FIM World Supersport 300 in 2026, we received news that one of the first riders signed to compete in the new class is not only an American, but also, a former MotoAmerica rider.

Floridian Julián Correa has been signed by Pons Motorsport Italika Racing to race a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the inaugural season of the entry-level class, which will run concurrently with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Correa is the second confirmed rider from the U.S. and MotoAmerica who will compete in a WorldSBK-affiliated championship as he joins WorldSBK veteran Garrett Gerloff (who also races a Kawasaki in the series).

A couple of handshakes and a signed contract with Pons Motorsport Italika Racing put Correa (center) on the world stage for 2026. *Photo courtesy of Pons Motorsport Italika Racing.*

“Julian is an incredibly exciting young talent, and we believe he has the dedication and speed to succeed in this new era of intermediate-capacity racing,” Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team owner Arnau Pons said. “Pons Motorsport Italika Racing has a strong track record of developing riders, and we are committed to providing Julián with the best-possible package to challenge at the front.”

The young American rider is eager to race on the world stage, and he commented, “Joining Pons Motorsport Italika Racing to contest the World Sportbike Championship is a dream come true. It’s a fantastic opportunity to compete against the best young riders in the world. Being one of only two confirmed Americans in the entire WorldSBK paddock is a huge honor, and I look forward to flying the U.S. flag next to a successful rider like Garrett Gerloff. My focus is entirely on a strong debut season and making the most of this chance.”

The new World Sportbike Championship will feature agile, mid-tier-displacement motorcycles and will provide a refined steppingstone for riders hoping to advance to the World Supersport and World Superbike classes.

Correa will soon begin testing with the Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team in preparation for the inaugural 2026 FIM World Sportbike Championship season.