Yamaha Motor Europe unveils a refreshed 2026 WorldSBK roster featuring Andrea Locatelli, Xavi Vierge, Remy Gardner and rookie Stefano Manzi as the team targets a strong start at Phillip Island.
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Yamaha heads into the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship with a refreshed rider roster, renewed momentum, and one clear goal: to return to the sharp end of the fight.
With the season opener at Phillip Island just weeks away, Yamaha Motor Europe has revealed a new-look line-up across its factory and satellite teams, blending experience, youth and championship pedigree around the R1 WorldSBK.
Leading the charge once again is Andrea Locatelli. Now entering his sixth season with the factory squad, the Italian continues to anchor the project after delivering his first premier-class win last year and mounting one of his strongest championship campaigns to date. At 29, he arrives in 2026 sharper, more confident and determined to turn consistency into regular podiums.
Joining him in the Pata Maxus Yamaha garage is fresh face Xavi Vierge. The Spaniard switched to Yamaha colours for the first time and wasted no time making an impression, topping the timesheets among Yamaha riders during post-season testing. With solid WorldSBK experience already under his belt, Vierge looks ready to take the next step.
Over at GYTR GRT Yamaha, Remy Gardner returns for a fourth year aboard the R1. The former Moto2 world champion has shown flashes of front-running speed but hasn’t enjoyed a clean run in recent seasons due to injuries. Fully fit again, the Australian targets a stronger, more consistent push toward the podium.
He’s joined by reigning Supersport world champion Stefano Manzi, who graduates to the superbike class after dominating 2025. Early tests suggest the Italian is adapting quickly, continuing Yamaha’s proven pathway from WorldSSP to WorldSBK.
Together, the quartet gives Yamaha a balanced mix of stability and new energy, two riders deeply familiar with the bike and two eager to prove themselves.
Off track, Yamaha also strengthens its long-term structure with continued backing from title partner Pata Snack and new logistics support aimed at streamlining operations across its global racing programmes.
But ultimately, the focus remains simple: performance.
After closing last season fighting near the top three in the standings, Yamaha believes the pieces are finally aligning. Testing wraps up in Europe before the paddock heads ‘Down Under’ for the traditional curtain-raiser at Phillip Island, a fast, flowing circuit that often sets the tone for the year ahead.
If winter progress translates to race pace, Yamaha could arrive in Australia not just hopeful — but genuinely ready to contend.
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