Andrea Locatelli has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Yamaha WorldSBK project by signing a two-year contract extension through 2027.
After winning the Supersport World Championship on debut in 2020, he joined the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK outfit in 2021 and has remained loyal to the Japanese marque since.
Earlier in the season, he won his first WorldSBK race at Assen and ended a two-year-long winless drought for Yamaha in the process.
The 28-year-old is one of the biggest names to decide their future for the next two years as the rider market begins to take shape.
“I am really happy to sign with Yamaha for another two years,” Locatelli stated to WorldSBK.
“I have been with Yamaha for many years now, and I believe in the team, I believe in the people at Yamaha and want to continue to work, because I feel that we can achieve a lot more together.
“The people at Yamaha believe in me and this is important. Our approach will be to continue to push and try and make progress, just like we have seen this season.
“And of course, before 2026, our focus is on securing the best result possible in 2025!”
Nicolo Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Motorsport Division at Yamaha Motor Europe, added: “Having been with us for six years now, Andrea has become a true part of the Yamaha Racing family.
“His performances have been impressive since his rookie season and it has always felt like he has been on an upward trajectory in WorldSBK, as evidenced this season where he’s taken a real step forward to become not just the established leading Yamaha rider in the Championship, but also a regular front-runner and podium contender.
“Keeping hold of him for the future was a priority for us as we look to take the next step with the R1 in WorldSBK.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will see him become one of the longest-serving Yamaha riders in WorldSBK history.”
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