Andrea Locatelli Extends Yamaha WorldSBK Deal Through 2027

Italian rider Andrea Locatelli secures his place with Yamaha’s WorldSBK factory team through 2027, continuing a successful partnership marked by consistent podiums and growing momentum.

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Andrea Locatelli will remain with Yamaha’s official team in the FIM Superbike World Championship through the 2026 and 2027 seasons, following a new multi-year contract extension with Yamaha Motor Europe. The deal cements Locatelli’s status as one of the manufacturer’s longest-serving WorldSBK riders, second only to the legendary Noriyuki Haga.

Now in his fifth year aboard the Yamaha R1, Locatelli is enjoying a career-best start to the 2025 WorldSBK season. He has already secured three podium finishes, including a sensational first win at the TT Circuit Assen with the Pata Maxus Yamaha team. He currently sits fifth in the championship standings heading into Round 6 at Misano next month.

Locatelli’s journey with Yamaha began in 2020, when he dominated the FIM Supersport World Championship with the Evan Bros Racing Team, taking the title in his rookie year. Since stepping up to WorldSBK in 2021, he has amassed 20 podiums and steadily evolved into a consistent front-runner in the premier production racing class.

“I’m really happy to sign with Yamaha for another two years,” said the 28-year-old Italian. “I believe in the team and the people at Yamaha, and I want to continue to work hard because I know we can achieve even more. Our focus now is to keep pushing and aim for the best possible results in 2025.”

Yamaha Motor Europe’s Road Racing Sporting Manager, Niccolò Canepa, praised Locatelli’s progression: “Andrea has become a true part of the Yamaha Racing family. His development has been impressive, and he’s taken another major step this season. It was a top priority for us to secure his future with Yamaha as we continue to evolve the R1 project in WorldSBK.”

The renewed partnership reinforces Yamaha’s long-term commitment to competing at the highest level of WorldSBK, with Locatelli at the heart of its racing future.