Yamaha presents 2026 YZF-R1M World Superbike and rider line-up

4 months ago 118

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WorldSBK 2026

Yamaha

Yamaha has confirmed its full rider line-up for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, heading into the new season with a mix of continuity alongside a measured refresh with two new riders joining the Yamaha World Superbike effort. Ahead of the long journey south to Australia, the WorldSBK field will test this week at Portimão.

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe, Motorsport, Division Manager

“We are incredibly excited to get started; there are a lot of changes coming into 2026, including in our rider line-ups, and it gives us a lot of cause to be hopeful for a strong racing year for Yamaha. In 2025, we feel we made a strong step as a result of the collaborative effort from our engineers, the wider YME Management team, our riders and our teams – which have been unwavering in the pursuit of victory. Over the winter, everyone has been working hard to take further steps in 2026, and with a renewed rider line-up we are confident ahead of the season’s start. None of this would be possible without our partners, and for an incredible 11th year we will enjoy the support of Pata Snack – support for which we are extremely grateful. The level of competition in WorldSBK is at a really high level, so we are looking forward to close, thrilling battles on track!”

Niccolò Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe, Motorsport, Road Racing Sporting Manager

“In 2025, we fought for third in the championship until the very last race, and while of course, our goal is to win, we believe that the results last year marked a clear step forward – especially for Locatelli. This gives us confidence and optimism ahead of the new season, as if we can continue to push and take further steps with the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK as a package, and if our riders continue to progress, more results will follow. In Locatelli and Gardner, we have two riders who know the R1 and our project inside out, this kind of consistency and continuation is vital in motorsport, but at the same time it is also nice to introduce ‘new blood’ and to pair the experience we have honed with the fresh perspectives of Vierge and Manzi, this is something I find really exciting. Racing in WorldSBK is never easy, but I am confident and hopeful ahead of the new season.”

Pata Maxus Yamaha: Locatelli leads, Vierge joins

Andrea Locatelli remains Yamaha’s senior factory rider for a sixth consecutive WorldSBK season. The Italian enjoyed one of his strongest campaigns to date in 2025, scoring his maiden Superbike race win at Assen and remaining in the fight for third in the championship until the final round.

Locatelli’s role in the Yamaha project is now well-established, providing technical continuity as development of the R1 WorldSBK continues through Yamaha Motor Europe’s racing department in Italy and Crescent Yamaha’s UK-based operation.

Andrea Locatelli

“I am excited for the new WorldSBK season with Pata Maxus Yamaha for 2026! We know that it is not always easy – every year our competitors are working hard and we have to respond by doing our very best at all races, in all conditions. It’s already a long time since I started working with Yamaha and I know the R1 WorldSBK inside and out – it’s strengths and also the points where we are focused on improving to make another step forward. The Yamaha WorldSBK project continues to grow, it’s impressive that Yamaha and the team are always working to be stronger and capitalise on our potential. I have a new teammate in Xavi, and we will push each other to maximise and improve the package, and try to improve ourselves also. It will be a long season with many opportunities – the target will be to fight for the victories and aim to be on the podium every weekend. We were close to third in the championship last year so the goal can only be the top three. I believe in this project and if we can work well, focus on the best job that we can do as a team and with Yamaha, then we can be there. I can’t wait to be in Phillip Island, fighting again during the races – the race weekend is an unbelievable atmosphere and a special feeling that I always enjoy. I’d like to wish everyone “good luck” for the season ahead and say thank you to everyone, to all our partners for their support, and to the Crescent team and Yamaha for continuing to work so hard during the winter in preparation for 2026.”

Joining him for 2026 is Xavi Vierge, who moves into Yamaha blue after four seasons in WorldSBK. The Spaniard made a positive first impression during post-season testing, finishing as Yamaha’s fastest rider across the Jerez tests and adapting quickly to the R1.

Xavi Vierge

“I’m so pleased to join this project with Yamaha; it is a winning project of course – the team has achieved amazing results in the past and they are hungry for more. It is super exciting for me, the first feeling with the Pata Maxus Yamaha team has been very good and I feel like I am home because the people understand me and know what I need. With the R1 WorldSBK it was like a “first love” and directly I felt very, very comfortable with the bike and it’s clear that my riding style fits well. So, it has been a really positive start, of course we have only had some days of testing and need to keep our feet on the ground and keep working. I can learn something about the R1 from my teammate Loka, since he has been with this team for five years and able to get some great results. Of course, my goal is also to be fighting at the front as soon as possible – but, the most important thing for me is to enjoy the process, because I believe it is the way to achieve the results we want. Since the first day, I have felt like a kid every time I jump on the R1, discovering where the limit is and enjoying every moment, so I want to keep moving forward and “grow up” with Yamaha and the Crescent team as we start the new season. The look of Pata Maxus Yamaha this season is amazing – one of my favourite colours is blue and as soon as I saw the new design of the R1 I was just in love and I can’t wait for everyone to see it on track in Phillip Island.”

While testing times are only an early reference, Vierge’s integration has been smooth, and Yamaha will be looking for the pairing to push the R1 closer to the front group as the season develops.

Paul Denning – Team Principal, Pata Maxus Yamaha

“Everyone within the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK project is motivated for the year’s first round in Australia, and to see what we can achieve over the season. The ingredients are all there for us to perform – a competitive R1 that Yamaha R&D’s development team in Milan have further improved compared to 2025, a strengthened race team, two superb riders and the backing of so many fantastic partners. Our competitors are also working hard and the 2026 field is as stacked as ever, but I would describe our mood as “quietly optimistic” as we approach the first race.

“Andrea Locatelli needs no introduction as a Yamaha WorldSBK racer and we expect nothing less than stellar performances from him all season. He is now able to deliver a mix of speed and experience, combined with an aggressive approach to the early laps of every race that should see “Loka” consistently fighting with the fastest riders. Every year we have seen a step forward in Andrea’s overall level and we expect this to be repeated in 2026 – he has the structure and support around him that he needs, alongside the trust that will see him become Yamaha’s longest ever serving factory WorldSBK rider. “Loka” has the tools and capability to deliver, and we will help him every step of the way!

“Xavi Vierge, in contrast, is completely new to the R1 and the team, having only completed four days of testing at the time of writing. It’s possible that we may be in the “honeymoon period” together and of course we expect challenges along the way, but it’s been nothing other than a dream start to Xavi’s partnership with the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK machine and the Pata Maxus Yamaha crew. From the outset in Jerez, Xavi has looked so comfortable on the bike and that’s been reflected by his speed and consistency. As a person and as a professional, he is so easy to work with and it’s clear that Xavi comes into this partnership highly motivated for much stronger results than he has so far delivered in his four years of WorldSBK to date. I have no doubt that this target at the very minimum can be achieved. A huge “welcome” from all of us, Xavi!”

GYTR GRT Yamaha: Gardner returns, Manzi steps up

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team continues with Remy Gardner for a fourth season. The Australian has shown consistent pace since joining the team, including podium finishes, but has also endured two injury-affected seasons that limited his overall results.

Fully fit heading into 2026, Gardner enters the new year with an emphasis on consistency and building momentum from round to round.

Remy Gardner

“I can’t wait to be back and start a new season. This will be my fourth year with the team, and we have great chemistry, so I know we can achieve strong results together. 2025 was a demanding year: we started well and took a strong podium in Assen, but the second half of the season was more difficult, with some unfortunate accidents. I feel good now, and I’m confident we can enjoy a strong season together, fighting at the front and improving round by round.”

Alongside him, reigning World Supersport Champion Stefano Manzi steps up to the Superbike class following a dominant 2025 campaign on Yamaha’s R9. Manzi has already logged competitive mileage in pre-season testing and follows a familiar Yamaha pathway into WorldSBK, similar to Locatelli’s progression in recent years.

Stefano Manzi

“Here we are! 2026 will be my rookie season in WorldSBK, and I’m really excited to compete in the premier class for the first time. The feeling during the first test sessions was positive, both with the bike and with the team, so I’m looking forward to the season starting. I know the level in WorldSBK is extremely high, so we’ll take it step by step, focusing on improving every session and getting closer each time. I’d like to thank the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and Yamaha for their trust – I’m confident we can do a good job together.”

Filippo Conti – GYTR GRT Yamaha Team Principal

“We are all very excited for the new season. Having Remy with us again allows us to continue progressing together with a strong foundation. Our aim is to fight consistently for the front positions – we’ve proven we can do it, and we believe we have everything needed for a strong 2026 campaign. We’re also eager to start our journey with Stefano. He proved his talent in WorldSSP and has already made a positive impression during testing. We’ll support him throughout his rookie season, confident we can achieve strong results and make steady progress. I’d like to thank Yamaha for their continued support, as well as all our partners, both returning and new, who will be crucial to our success.”

Independent Yamaha presence continues

Yamaha will also be represented by MotoXRacing in 2026, with Bahattin Sofuoğlu retained for a second season after a steady rookie year that saw him regularly challenge near the top ten.

The Turkish rider will be joined by rookie Mattia Rato, giving Yamaha further representation outside its factory-supported structure.

Partners and programme stability

Pata Snack continues as title sponsor of Yamaha’s official WorldSBK programme for an 11th consecutive season, one of the longest ongoing partnerships in the championship. MAXUS remains co-title partner, while DP World joins Yamaha across MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP as official logistics partner under a new multi-year agreement.

The same Pata branding will also appear across Yamaha’s World Supersport and support class entries, reinforcing continuity across the manufacturer’s racing structure.

Next stop Portimão

Yamaha’s WorldSBK teams head next to Portimão for the final European pre-season test before travelling to Australia. A final official test at Phillip Island on February 16–17 will precede the opening round of the 2026 WorldSBK season from February 20–22.

Yamaha YZF-R1M WorldSBK

2026 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship calendar


……Date…….	Country	Circuit	WorldSBK	WorldSSP	WorldSPB
20-22 Feb	AUS	Phillip Island GP	X	X
27-29 Mar	POR	Algarve Int’l	X	X	X
17-19 Apr	NED	TT Assen	X	X	X
1-3 May	HUN	Balaton Park	X	X
15-17 May	CZE	Most	X	X	X
29-31 May	ESP	MotorLand Aragon	X	X	X
12-14 Jun	ITA	Misano – Marco Simoncelli	X	X	X
10-12 Jul	UK	Donington Park	X	X
4-6 Sep	FRA	Nevers Magny-Cours	X	X	X
25-27 Sep	ITA	Cremona	X	X	X
9-11 Oct	POR	Estoril	X	X
16-18 Oct	ESP	Jerez – Angel Nieto*	X	X	X

2026 World Superbike Championship Entry List


Rider	Bike	Team
I.Lecuona	Duc	Aruba.It Ducati
N.Bulega	Duc	Aruba.It Ducati
D.Petrucci	BMW	ROKiT BMW Motorrad
M.Oliveira	BMW	ROKiT BMW Motorrad
A.Locatelli	Yam	Pata Maxus Yamaha
X.Vierge	Yam	Pata Maxus Yamaha
Y.Montella	Duc	Barni Spark
A.Bautista	Duc	Barni Spark
A.Lowes	Bim	bimota by Kawasaki
A.Bassani	Bim	bimota by Kawasaki
S.Chantra	Hon	Honda HRC
J.Dixon	Hon	Honda HRC
S.Manzi	Yam	GYTR GRT Yamaha
R.Gardner	Yam	GYTR GRT Yamaha
S.Lowes	Duc	ELF Marc VDS
L.Baldassarri	Duc	Goeleven
T.Mackenzie	Duc	MGM Racing
G.Gerloff	Kaw	Kawasaki WorldSBK
A.Surra	Duc	Motocorsa
M.Rato	Yam	Motoxracing
B.Sofuoglu	Yam	Motoxracing
A.Iannone	Duc	Cainam Racing