Yamaha to provide privateer squad with added support
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.
Rato arrived in WorldSBK this year off the back of a strong 2025 Italian Supersport campaign, where the Italian rider took third overall on the strength of three victories and seven podiums. The step up to a factory-based Superbike proved steep, with Rato scoring points on only two occasions all year, taking 14th in Race 2 at Balaton Park and a single point for 15th in Race 2 on home soil at Cremona. He’s candid about the inconsistency but satisfied with the groundwork laid.
“I struggled a little more in some races, while in others I was able to perform well,” Rato said. “All in all, I’m quite satisfied with what we’ve achieved, but I’m convinced we can do even better next year. Our goal will be to improve on this season’s results and get closer to the riders ahead of us.”
Smits’ route to a full-time seat took an unorthodox path. The 22-year-old Dutchman spent most of 2026 in the German-based Euro Moto Superbike class, where four victories and six podiums earned him fourth overall. He made his WorldSBK debut earlier this season as a wildcard at Assen aboard Yamaha machinery for Team Apreco, and when Motoxracing and original rider Bahattin Sofuoglu agreed to part ways in September, Smits filled the R1 seat for the final three rounds at Cremona, Estoril and Jerez. Sofuoglu moved on to World Supersport with QJMOTOR Factory Racing to finish the season.
“I’m extremely happy and grateful to continue this journey with Yamaha Motoxracing,” said Smits. “A huge thank you goes to everyone involved and especially Yamaha who made this opportunity possible.”
The young duo should benefit from the increased support from Yamaha.
“The updates provided by Yamaha represent a sign of confidence in our project and give us additional motivation,” said Team Manager Sandro Carusi. “Our job will be to make the most of them and give both riders the best possible conditions to perform and improve our results.”
Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter.
About the Author
