Rinaldi Returns to WorldSBK as Roberto Garcia Joins GMT94 Yamaha in WorldSSP

After a tough WorldSSP campaign, Michael Ruben Rinaldi steps up to MotoXRacing in WorldSBK, while European Moto2 Champion Roberto Garcia makes WorldSSP debut with GMT94 Yamaha.

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There’s a major reshuffle underway in Yamaha’s racing program for 2025 as Michael Ruben Rinaldi exits the World Supersport Championship and returns to the Superbike World Championship, while European Moto2 Champion Roberto Garcia steps in to fill his place at GMT94 Yamaha.

Rinaldi, a five-time WorldSBK race winner, had joined GMT94 Yamaha for the 2025 WorldSSP season aboard the brand-new Yamaha R9. However, the first five rounds proved to be a tough transition for both the Italian and the team. 

After a mutual agreement to part ways, Rinaldi will now return to his roots in the Superbike paddock, joining Yamaha MotoXRacing from the upcoming Misano round onward.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi: “I gave it everything, and so did the team, but for whatever reason, it did not come together for us. To get another chance to race in WorldSBK is an amazing opportunity for me.”

Replacing Rinaldi at GMT94 Yamaha is 18-year-old Spaniard Roberto Garcia, fresh off his European Moto2 Championship win. Garcia has already tested with the team and impressed with his early pace, making him a strong prospect for the remainder of the season.

Roberto Garcia: “This is an amazing opportunity for me to show my potential and to push at 120%! I am very happy to be part of the Yamaha family and the iconic GMT94 team.”

Yamaha’s Road Racing Sporting Manager Niccolò Canepa also acknowledged the tough season for Rinaldi but praised the professionalism on both sides and expressed excitement about Garcia’s future in the class.

“Michael Rinaldi’s ability is unquestionable… An opportunity has arisen for him in WorldSBK, and this is a move which makes sense. As for Garcia, we’ve had our eye on him for a while – his pace in the test was impressive,” he said. 

This marks a fresh chapter for both riders, with Garcia making his full-time WorldSSP debut and Rinaldi aiming to reignite his WorldSBK career. All eyes now turn to Misano, where the next phase of their respective journeys begins.