Get ready for an exciting season ahead in WorldSBK! The official launch of the 2026 project by Pata Maxus Yamaha and GYTR GRT Yamaha has everyone talking. These teams are not just about bikes and riders; they're a symbol of collaboration and determination. But here's where it gets interesting...
For the 11th year, Yamaha Motor Europe, Crescent Yamaha, and Pata Snack have joined forces, creating a partnership that's now as recognizable as it is successful. And in 2026, they're bringing something special to the track.
Leading the charge is Andrea Locatelli, a rider with an impressive track record. He's entering his sixth season with the team, having joined as the reigning World Supersport champion back in 2021. Last year, Locatelli made history by securing his maiden victory at Assen, breaking a 54-race winless streak for Yamaha. It was a momentous occasion, as the last Yamaha rider to achieve such a feat was Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2020 at the Superpole race in Barcelona.
But here's the controversial part: Locatelli's victory came after 154 attempts, setting an unwanted record for the most races before a win in WorldSBK. Despite this, he's joined by Xavi Vierge, a Spaniard who's spent his first four years in the paddock with Honda. Vierge finished the 2025 season strongly, ending seventh overall with 185 points and nine top-six finishes.
Over at GYTR GRT Yamaha, Remy Gardner, the 2021 Moto2 World Champion, is hoping for a healthier year after two injury-plagued seasons. Gardner has two podiums to his name at Assen, and he'll be joined by the reigning World Supersport Champion, Stefano Manzi. Manzi dominated the Supersport class last year, winning 11 races and securing 20 podiums with the new Yamaha R9.
The liveries for both teams maintain the iconic Yamaha blue, with touches of white and black. The GYTR GRT Yamaha bikes add a splash of gold to their design. And this year, two more Yamaha R1s will grace the WorldSBK grid, with MotoXRacing fielding Bahattin Sofuoglu and rookie Mattia Rato.
Additionally, the Crescent team will represent Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha in the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship, with Britain's Chloe Jones, third in 2025, and last year's runner-up, Beatriz Neila.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for the 2026 season? Do you think these teams have what it takes to dominate the track? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions for this upcoming season!
