American Talent Julian Alessandro Correa Joins Pons Motorsport Italika Racing for Inaugural FIM World Sportbike Championship Season
Pons Motorsport Italika Racing is thrilled to announce the signing of rising American star, Julian Alessandro Correa, to compete in the all-new FIM World Sportbike Championship for the 2026 season.
The World Sportbike Championship will replace the World Supersport 300 class in 2026 as the crucial entry-level category within the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) paddock.
Correa’s move marks a significant moment for the team and American motorcycle racing, as he becomes just the second confirmed rider from the United States to enter the WorldSBK-affiliated championships for 2026, alongside World Superbike veteran Garrett Gerloff.
“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,” said team owner Arnau Pons. “Pons Motorsport Italika Racing has a strong track record of developing riders, and we are committed to providing Julian with the best possible package to challenge at the front.”
The young American rider is eager to take on the world stage: “Joining Pons Motorsport Italika Racing to contest the World Sportbike Championship is a dream come true,” said Julian Alessandro Correa. “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 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 category is set to feature agile, mid-tier capacity motorcycles, offering a refined stepping stone for riders aiming to reach the World Supersport and World Superbike classes.
Julian Alessandro Correa will soon begin testing with the Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team in preparation for the inaugural 2026 FIM World Sportbike Championship season.
About Pons Motorsport Italika Racing:
Pons Motorsport Italika Racing is a highly respected team competing within the FIM World Superbike Championship paddock, committed to fostering young talent and achieving success in production-based racing.
