Former WorldSSP Champion Andrea Locatelli has confirmed he’ll keep at Yamaha for the 2026 and 2027 WorldSBK seasons.
The Italian, who has been with Yamaha since that title-winning WorldSSP season in 2020 and who has contested all 5 of his World Superbike seasons up to now on a Yamaha R1, might be again in blue for the subsequent two years as effectively due to a brand new contract extension signed between Locatelli and the Iwata producer.
Locatelli gained Yamaha’s first WorldSBK race since 2023 earlier this 12 months at Assen, so it’s a continuation of a partnership between manufacturing facility and rider that is smart.
“I’m actually blissful to signal with Yamaha for an additional two years,” mentioned Locatelli.
“I’ve been with Yamaha for a few years now, and I imagine within the workforce, I imagine within the individuals at Yamaha and need to proceed to work, as a result of I really feel that we will obtain much more collectively.
“The individuals at Yamaha imagine in me and that is vital.
“Our strategy might be to proceed to push and try to make progress, identical to we’ve got seen this season. And naturally, earlier than 2026, our focus is on securing one of the best end result potential in 2025.”
Niccolo Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe Highway Racing Sporting Supervisor, added: “Having been with us for six years now, Andrea [Locatelli] has grow to be a real a part of the Yamaha Racing household.
“His performances have been spectacular since his rookie season and it has at all times felt like he has been on an upward trajectory in WorldSBK, as evidenced this season the place he’s taken an actual step ahead to grow to be not simply the established main Yamaha rider within the championship, but in addition a daily front-runner and podium contender.
“Protecting maintain of him for the long run was a precedence for us as we glance to take the subsequent step with the R1 in WorldSBK, and we’re happy to have reached an settlement that may see him grow to be one of many longest serving Yamaha riders in WorldSBK historical past.”
