Yamaha Motoxracing Keeps Rato And Smits For 2027 WSBK Season
Motoxracing is sticking with the pairing it finished 2026 with, confirming that Mattia Rato and Twan Smits have both signed contract extensions to contest the 2027 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship with the Yamaha privateer squad. Just as significant, Yamaha is stepping up its backing, promising latest-spec R1 machinery to help the team be more competitive next season.
Yamaha has reaffirmed its commitment to privateer team Motoxracing for the upcoming 2027 MotoGP Superbike World Championship season. The company will provide the team with an upgraded support package, including the latest-spec R1 machinery. This decision comes after Mattia Rato and Twan Smits both signed contract extensions to continue racing with Yamaha Motoxracing.
Rato, who made his WorldSBK debut this year after a strong 2025 Italian Supersport campaign, struggled to secure points throughout the season. Despite scoring points only twice, he expressed satisfaction with the groundwork laid and confidence in improving results in the coming year.
Smits, on the other hand, had an unconventional route to a full-time seat in WorldSBK. The 22-year-old Dutch rider spent most of 2026 competing in the German-based Euro Moto Superbike class, securing four victories and six podiums. He made his WorldSBK debut as a wildcard at the Assen round and took over the R1 seat from Bahattin Sofuoglu when Motoxracing parted ways with the rider in September. Smits secured the remaining three WorldSBK races for the team before the season concluded.
Both riders are expected to benefit from Yamaha's increased support, which the team management views as a sign of confidence in their project. Team Manager Sandro Carusi expressed his belief that the team should utilize these resources to maximize their performance and results.
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