Despite his best efforts, Pol Espargaro's chances at a move to World Superbikes continue to fade away.

Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, it became clear that the Red Bull KTM Factory Test Rider, Pol Espargaro, was actively searching for a World Superbike ride.

The last time Espargaro was a full-time MotoGP rider was in the 2023 season for the GasGas Factory Racing Tech3 squad. Since then, he has made five wildcard or replacement appearances.

Espargaro is not ready to call an end to his racing career; he has insisted that he has not retired from racing and wants to find a way into the World Superbike paddock.

It has been confirmed by Speedweek.com that the Spaniard has, or had, been in discussions with BMW, Honda and Yamaha for a factory Superbike ride.

Now it has become clear that the BMW option is no longer available as the German manufacturer looks set to sign current Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP rider, Miguel Oliveira.

The Team HRC Honda ride is also no longer on the table for Espargaro. It appears that Honda will sign Jake Dixon and current LCR Honda IDEMITSU MotoGP rider, Somkiat Chantra.

This leaves the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Team, but the Spaniard is in tough competition with current World Supersport title contender, Can Oncu.

The Turkish rider has tested the Yamaha R1 in a private half-day test at the Cremona Circuit. However, there are still concerns over whether Oncu is ready to make the next step onto a Superbike.

It now seems that KTM have offered Espargaro a contract extension to remain as one of their MotoGP Test Riders for the 2026 season, which Espargaro is likely to sign as his options in World Superbikes continue to run out.