Former WorldSSP champion Andrea Locatelli has confirmed that she will be staying at Yamaha for the 2026 and 2027 WorldSBK seasons.
The Italian, who has been with Yamaha since the 2020 title-winning World SSP season and has so far fought for all five of his world’s superbike seasons with the Yamaha R1, will return in blue for the next two years thanks to a new contract extension signed between Locatelli and the Iwata maker.
Locatelli is a continuation of the factory-rider partnership that makes sense as he won Yamaha’s first World SBK race since 2023 at Assen earlier this year.
“I’m so happy to be able to sign with Yamaha for two more years,” Rocatelli said.
“I’ve been to Yamaha for many years, I believe in the team, I believe in the people of Yamaha and I want to continue working.
“The people at Yamaha believe in me, and this is important.
“Our approach will continue to push and make progress, as we saw this season. And of course, before 2026, we’re focusing on ensuring the best possible outcome in 2025.”
Nicolo Kanepa, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Sports Manager, added:
“Since his rookie season, his performance has been impressive and he has felt like he’s been on an upward trajectory in World BK. This season, it has proven that he has taken a real step to become a major Yamaha rider established in the championship, as well as becoming a regular frontrunner and paudium contender.
“Staying on taking the next step with WorldSBK’s R1 has been a priority for us and we are pleased to see him reach an agreement that will become one of the longest serving Yamaha riders in WorldSBK history.”