Taiyo Aksu confirmed on WorldSPB grid in 26 with Yamaha

Taiyo Aksu signed by AG Motorsport Italia Yamaha

Taiyo Aksu is stepping up to the new FIM Sportbike World Championship in 2026 after signing with AG Motorsport Italia Yamaha to race a Yamaha YZF-R7 in the fledgling series.

The Australian teenager makes the move after an impressive ESBK Superstock 600 campaign in which he finished fourth overall.

The jump to WorldSPB marks his first full season on the world stage, with the inaugural year of the new category offering a key opportunity to make an early impression.

Joining the established AG Motorsport Italia outfit is a significant milestone for Aksu, who is preparing for the challenge of new circuits, a new paddock environment, and even learning Italian as part of his integration into the team. He will race with number 89 and is scheduled to begin testing in February.

Taiyo Aksu

“I am over the moon that I will be racing in the World Championship with AG Motorsport Italia in 2026 in Sportbike. It’s a dream come true and a new chapter for my career. None of this would have been possible without the support of my manager and my family and I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity. I am really excited for the season to start and whilst I know it will be filled with a lot of new challenges, I am ready to give it everything.”

Taiyo Aksu

Alessandra Gambardella – Team Principal

“The selection of Taiyo Aksu is the result of a careful evaluation of his racing history and the work he has done within the Yamaha universe, elements that we deemed fully aligned with the technical and sporting direction we intend to take in this new experience in Sportbike. We are preparing to approach this debut with a concrete and structured approach, focusing on method, organization, and progressive development of the project. Our goal will be to build a shared growth path, working from the outset to create the best conditions for rider and team to express their potential in a highly competitive environment.”