Yamaha presents 2026 YZF-R1M World Superbike and r...

WorldSBK 2026

Yamaha

Yamaha has confirmed its full rider line-up for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, heading into the brand new season with a mixture of continuity alongside a measured refresh with two new riders becoming a member of the Yamaha World Superbike effort.   Forward of the lengthy journey south to Australia, the WorldSBK area will check this week at Portimão.

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe, Motorsport, Division Supervisor

“We’re extremely excited to get began; there are a whole lot of adjustments coming into 2026, together with in our rider line-ups, and it provides us a whole lot of trigger to be eager for a powerful racing 12 months for Yamaha. In 2025, we really feel we made a powerful step because of the collaborative effort from our engineers, the broader YME Administration crew, our riders and our groups – which have been unwavering within the pursuit of victory. Over the winter, everybody has been working exhausting to take additional steps in 2026, and with a renewed rider line-up we’re assured forward of the season’s begin. None of this could be attainable with out our companions, and for an unimaginable eleventh 12 months we’ll benefit from the assist of Pata Snack – assist for which we’re extraordinarily grateful. The extent of competitors in WorldSBK is at a very excessive degree, so we’re wanting ahead to shut, thrilling battles on monitor!”

Niccolò Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe, Motorsport, Street Racing Sporting Supervisor

“In 2025, we fought for third within the championship till the final race, and whereas in fact, our aim is to win, we imagine that the outcomes final 12 months marked a transparent step ahead – particularly for Locatelli. This offers us confidence and optimism forward of the brand new season, as if we are able to proceed to push and take additional steps with the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK as a package deal, and if our riders proceed to progress, extra outcomes will observe. In Locatelli and Gardner, we now have two riders who know the R1 and our undertaking inside out, this sort of consistency and continuation is important in motorsport, however on the identical time additionally it is good to introduce ‘new blood’ and to pair the expertise we now have honed with the contemporary views of Vierge and Manzi, that is one thing I discover actually thrilling. Racing in WorldSBK is rarely straightforward, however I’m assured and hopeful forward of the brand new season.”

Pata Maxus Yamaha: Locatelli leads, Vierge joins

Andrea Locatelli stays Yamaha’s senior manufacturing facility rider for a sixth consecutive WorldSBK season. The Italian loved one in all his strongest campaigns thus far in 2025, scoring his maiden Superbike race win at Assen and remaining within the struggle for third within the championship till the ultimate spherical.

Locatelli’s position within the Yamaha undertaking is now well-established, offering technical continuity as improvement of the R1 WorldSBK continues via Yamaha Motor Europe’s racing division in Italy and Crescent Yamaha’s UK-based operation.

Andrea Locatelli

“I’m excited for the brand new WorldSBK season with Pata Maxus Yamaha for 2026! We all know that it isn’t all the time straightforward – yearly our opponents are working exhausting and we now have to reply by doing our perfect in any respect races, in all situations. It’s already a very long time since I began working with Yamaha and I do know the R1 WorldSBK inside and outside – it’s strengths and likewise the factors the place we’re targeted on bettering to make one other step ahead. The Yamaha WorldSBK undertaking continues to develop, it’s spectacular that Yamaha and the crew are all the time working to be stronger and capitalise on our potential. I’ve a brand new teammate in Xavi, and we’ll push one another to maximise and enhance the package deal, and attempt to enhance ourselves additionally. It will likely be an extended season with many alternatives – the goal can be to struggle for the victories and purpose to be on the rostrum each weekend. We had been shut to 3rd within the championship final 12 months so the aim can solely be the highest three. I imagine on this undertaking and if we are able to work properly, deal with the perfect job that we are able to do as a crew and with Yamaha, then we will be there. I can’t wait to be in Phillip Island, combating once more in the course of the races – the race weekend is an unbelievable ambiance and a particular feeling that I all the time get pleasure from. I’d wish to want everybody “good luck” for the season forward and say thanks to everybody, to all our companions for his or her assist, and to the Crescent crew and Yamaha for persevering with to work so exhausting in the course of the winter in preparation for 2026.”

Becoming a member of him for 2026 is Xavi Vierge, who strikes into Yamaha blue after 4 seasons in WorldSBK. The Spaniard made a constructive first impression throughout post-season testing, ending as Yamaha’s quickest rider throughout the Jerez exams and adapting rapidly to the R1.

Xavi Vierge

“I’m so happy to hitch this undertaking with Yamaha; it’s a successful undertaking in fact – the crew has achieved wonderful outcomes prior to now and they’re hungry for extra. It’s tremendous thrilling for me, the primary feeling with the Pata Maxus Yamaha crew has been excellent and I really feel like I’m dwelling as a result of the folks perceive me and know what I would like. With the R1 WorldSBK it was like a “old flame” and immediately I felt very, very snug with the bike and it’s clear that my using type matches properly. So, it has been a very constructive begin, in fact we now have solely had some days of testing and must maintain our toes on the bottom and maintain working. I can be taught one thing in regards to the R1 from my teammate Loka, since he has been with this crew for 5 years and in a position to get some nice outcomes. After all, my aim can also be to be combating on the entrance as quickly as attainable – however, an important factor for me is to benefit from the course of, as a result of I imagine it’s the approach to obtain the outcomes we would like. For the reason that first day, I’ve felt like a child each time I soar on the R1, discovering the place the restrict is and having fun with each second, so I need to maintain shifting ahead and “develop up” with Yamaha and the Crescent crew as we begin the brand new season. The look of Pata Maxus Yamaha this season is wonderful – one in all my favorite colors is blue and as quickly as I noticed the brand new design of the R1 I used to be simply in love and I can’t wait for everybody to see it on monitor in Phillip Island.”

Whereas testing occasions are solely an early reference, Vierge’s integration has been easy, and Yamaha can be on the lookout for the pairing to push the R1 nearer to the entrance group because the season develops.

Paul Denning – Group Principal, Pata Maxus Yamaha

“Everybody inside the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK undertaking is motivated for the 12 months’s first spherical in Australia, and to see what we are able to obtain over the season. The elements are all there for us to carry out – a aggressive R1 that Yamaha R&D’s improvement crew in Milan have additional improved in comparison with 2025, a strengthened race crew, two very good riders and the backing of so many implausible companions. Our opponents are additionally working exhausting and the 2026 area is as stacked as ever, however I’d describe our temper as “quietly optimistic” as we strategy the primary race.

“Andrea Locatelli wants no introduction as a Yamaha WorldSBK racer and we count on nothing lower than stellar performances from him all season. He’s now in a position to ship a mixture of pace and expertise, mixed with an aggressive strategy to the early laps of each race that ought to see “Loka” constantly combating with the quickest riders. Yearly we now have seen a step ahead in Andrea’s general degree and we count on this to be repeated in 2026 – he has the construction and assist round him that he wants, alongside the belief that can see him turn out to be Yamaha’s longest ever serving manufacturing facility WorldSBK rider. “Loka” has the instruments and functionality to ship, and we’ll assist him each step of the way in which!

“Xavi Vierge, in distinction, is totally new to the R1 and the crew, having solely accomplished 4 days of testing on the time of writing. It’s attainable that we could also be within the “honeymoon interval” collectively and naturally we count on challenges alongside the way in which, nevertheless it’s been nothing apart from a dream begin to Xavi’s partnership with the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK machine and the Pata Maxus Yamaha crew. From the outset in Jerez, Xavi has regarded so snug on the bike and that’s been mirrored by his pace and consistency. As an individual and as an expert, he is really easy to work with and it’s clear that Xavi comes into this partnership extremely motivated for a lot stronger outcomes than he has up to now delivered in his 4 years of WorldSBK thus far. I’ve little question that this goal on the very minimal will be achieved. An enormous “welcome” from all of us, Xavi!”

GYTR GRT Yamaha: Gardner returns, Manzi steps up

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Group continues with Remy Gardner for a fourth season. The Australian has proven constant tempo since becoming a member of the crew, together with podium finishes, however has additionally endured two injury-affected seasons that restricted his general outcomes.

Absolutely match heading into 2026, Gardner enters the brand new 12 months with an emphasis on consistency and constructing momentum from spherical to spherical.

Remy Gardner

“I can’t wait to be again and begin a brand new season. This can be my fourth 12 months with the crew, and we now have nice chemistry, so I do know we are able to obtain robust outcomes collectively. 2025 was a demanding 12 months: we began properly and took a powerful podium in Assen, however the second half of the season was harder, with some unlucky accidents. I really feel good now, and I’m assured we are able to get pleasure from a powerful season collectively, combating on the entrance and bettering spherical by spherical.”

Alongside him, reigning World Supersport Champion Stefano Manzi steps as much as the Superbike class following a dominant 2025 marketing campaign on Yamaha’s R9. Manzi has already logged aggressive mileage in pre-season testing and follows a well-known Yamaha pathway into WorldSBK, much like Locatelli’s development lately.

Stefano Manzi

“Right here we’re! 2026 can be my rookie season in WorldSBK, and I’m actually excited to compete within the premier class for the primary time. The sensation in the course of the first check periods was constructive, each with the bike and with the crew, so I’m wanting ahead to the season beginning. I do know the extent in WorldSBK is extraordinarily excessive, so we’ll take it step-by-step, specializing in bettering each session and getting nearer every time. I’d wish to thank the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Group and Yamaha for his or her belief – I’m assured we are able to do a very good job collectively.”

Filippo Conti – GYTR GRT Yamaha Group Principal

“We’re all very excited for the brand new season. Having Remy with us once more permits us to proceed progressing along with a powerful basis. Our purpose is to struggle constantly for the entrance positions – we’ve confirmed we are able to do it, and we imagine we now have every little thing wanted for a powerful 2026 marketing campaign. We’re additionally keen to begin our journey with Stefano. He proved his expertise in WorldSSP and has already made a constructive impression throughout testing. We’ll assist him all through his rookie season, assured we are able to obtain robust outcomes and make regular progress. I’d wish to thank Yamaha for his or her continued assist, in addition to all our companions, each returning and new, who can be essential to our success.”

Impartial Yamaha presence continues

Yamaha can even be represented by MotoXRacing in 2026, with Bahattin Sofuoğlu retained for a second season after a gradual rookie 12 months that noticed him usually problem close to the highest ten.

The Turkish rider can be joined by rookie Mattia Rato, giving Yamaha additional illustration exterior its factory-supported construction.

Companions and programme stability

Pata Snack continues as title sponsor of Yamaha’s official WorldSBK programme for an eleventh consecutive season, one of many longest ongoing partnerships within the championship. MAXUS stays co-title companion, whereas DP World joins Yamaha throughout MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP as official logistics companion beneath a brand new multi-year settlement.

The identical Pata branding can even seem throughout Yamaha’s World Supersport and assist class entries, reinforcing continuity throughout the producer’s racing construction.

Subsequent cease Portimão

Yamaha’s WorldSBK groups head subsequent to Portimão for the ultimate European pre-season check earlier than travelling to Australia. A closing official check at Phillip Island on February 16–17 will precede the opening spherical of the 2026 WorldSBK season from February 20–22.

Yamaha YZF-R1M WorldSBK

2026 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship calendar

……Date…….	Nation	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 Could	HUN	Balaton Park	X	X
15-17 Could	CZE	Most	X	X	X
29-31 Could	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
September 11 Oct	POR	Estoril	X	X
16-18 Oct	ESP	Jerez – Angel Nieto*	X	X	X

2026 World Superbike Championship Entry Listing

Rider	Bike	Group
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