Michael Ruben Rinaldi has discussed what he could do after ending his full-time career in World Superbikes.
After the 2025 World Superbike Championship came to an end, Michael Ruben Rinaldi announced that he would not continue in the series as a full-time rider in 2026.
The Italian had spent eight years competing in the Superbike Championship with two manufacturers and six teams. During his career, he also won five races and secured 18 further podiums.
"It has been big news for me after many years in Superbikes," Rinaldi said to WorldSBK.com at EICMA.
"I have decided to stop, because last year was quite tough. So, I see myself not wanting to fight for the lowest positions on the grid, and I did not have the chance to have a strong package for next year.
"I told myself, 'it is ok, sometimes life is like this'. So, for 2026, I will not be racing in Superbikes, even if I am still quite young. But this is life, so at the moment I don't know what my future will be.
"Since I made the announcement, I have received many calls from different teams and different Championships, which is for sure something I am happy about. But I will take my time to make a decision.
"But we will see, maybe my last race in Jerez was not my last race in Superbikes. I don't know yet, but it is a strong chance that it was my last. The next time I come, I will come in a way that allows me to show all of my potential."
The 29-year-old now has a lot to think about when it comes to his future after announcing the end of his full-time career in World Superbikes. He has received calls to continue racing elsewhere, but has also been offered other roles inside the World Superbike paddock.
"The calls that I have received are to race in different Championships as a rider," he revealed.
"But also, inside the paddock in different roles, and that gives me a lot to think about, because that means to stop racing 100%. My wish is to just find something that makes me happy, and I can stay involved in some way with motorsports.
"I have not made a decision yet, so it will be two pretty busy months for me and also for my future life."
