Yamaha MotoXRacing announced it has signed Mattia Rato to partner Bahattin Sofuoglu for its 2026 WorldSBK lineup.
The MotoXRacing team will keep one half of its lineup, with Rato replacing Michael Ruben Rinaldi for 2026.
Sofuoglu remains with the team for his sophomore season after a fruitful debut where he earned 26 points.
“When I embarked on the Superbike path, my team immediately trusted in me and we started this season together, my debut year,” Sofuoglu said via a team statement.
“We took things one step at a time, improving race by race, which allowed us to obtain some new components that increased the competitiveness of my bike in the final stages so that we could keep improving.
“The plan is to continue to make progress, working towards some specific goals.
“We’re pleased with how last season went and are highly motivated and ready to tackle the next one.”
Mattia Rato will partner Sofuoglu in 2026 after making his debut in the WorldSSP class this year.
The Italian recorded a best finish of 17th in Race 2 at home in Cremona and will now make the step up into WorldSBK for the next campaign.
“The chance to compete in World Superbike in 2026 has come about almost unexpectedly, but I had no doubts about accepting this challenge,” Rato said.
“I am very keen to put my skills to the test, and I know that the team will help me, without putting any pressure on me.
“I can’t wait to get on my bike and start to work with my technicians, some of whom I already know.
“Our goal is to work as hard as we can to see continuous growth.”
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