Yamaha to return to WSBK in 2016

Yamaha Motor Europe will be responsible for overall strategy, rider agreements and technical development on the YZF-R1 race bikes, while Crescent Racing's hugely experienced racing personnel will run the team's operation at each of the Championship rounds.

 

With a history of involvement in Suzuki's efforts in MotoGP and British Superbikes, Crescent Racing will make the switch from their current responsibilities with the VOLTCOM Suzuki squad in WSBK (with rider Lowes) to operate the revived Yamaha factory outfit, while sponsorship will come from snackfood company, PATA, current sponsors of the Honda World Superbike team.

 

Yamaha Motor Europe are confident that the all-new R1 will enable them to challenge for victory in WSBK in 2016, with the latest version of Yamaha's superbike already enjoying victories in AMA and BSB competition, as well as this year's Suzuka 8 Hour endurance race.

 

Yamaha last competed in World Superbikes in 2011, the pullout attributed to a need to focus on "customer" activities. Marco Melandri won four races for Yamaha that year and finished on the podium a further eleven times to claim the championship runner-up position behind Ducati's Carlos Checa. The last Yamaha rider to win a World Superbike title was Ben Spies in 2009.