Pata Maxus Yamaha launches its 2026 WorldSBK campaign with Andrea Locatelli and new signing Xavi Vierge, aiming for podiums, race wins and a serious championship challenge with the updated R1.
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Pata Maxus Yamaha has fired the first warning shot of the 2026 WorldSBK season, unveiling a refreshed rider line-up and an evolved Yamaha R1 with one clear message: they’re not here to make up the numbers.
With pre-season testing underway and Phillip Island fast approaching, Andrea Locatelli returns as the team’s cornerstone while Spanish recruit Xavi Vierge steps into Yamaha blue for the first time. Together, the pair form a balanced blend of experience and fresh momentum as Yamaha targets race wins and a serious championship push.
Locatelli enters his sixth season with the factory squad carrying what he calls “unfinished business.” After narrowly missing third in last year’s standings, the Italian has grown into one of the grid’s most consistent performers. Now fully dialled in with the R1’s strengths and weaknesses, he believes 2026 is the year to convert speed into silverware.
The 29-year-old has already proven he can win at this level and this time, podiums aren’t enough.
Joining him is Vierge, a rider many inside the paddock quietly rate as a breakout contender. Early testing has shown immediate chemistry between the Spaniard and the R1, with his smooth, aggressive style translating quickly to lap time. Comfortable from the first laps, he’s already talking about fighting at the front rather than “learning years.”
It’s exactly the spark Yamaha wanted.
Behind the scenes, the project continues to be driven by Yamaha Motor Europe and Crescent Yamaha’s long-running partnership, now entering its 11th season. Development work from Yamaha’s R&D base in Italy has focused on refining an already competitive package, aiming to close the final gap to the championship leaders.
Team Principal Paul Denning describes the mood as “quietly optimistic”, confident but grounded in the reality of an ultra-stacked 2026 grid.
The squad also rolls into the new season with strengthened backing. Title sponsor Pata Snack and co-title partner MAXUS remain central pillars, joined by global logistics giant DP World, insurance specialists Pont Grup, and returning technical partners including Akrapovič, GB Racing, Pro-Bolt and more. The support network signals stability and serious intent.
Next stop: Portimão testing, then the long haul to Australia.
When the lights go out at Phillip Island, Yamaha expects both bikes in the fight.
Not rebuilding. Not resetting.
Attacking.
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