Dopo la prima uscita in pista del 2026 a Jerez, il GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team presenta ufficialmente la Yamaha R1 WorldSBK con cui affronterà la prossima stagione del Campionato del Mondo FIM Superbike.
Remy Gardner will once again spearhead the Italian squad, joined by reigning 2025 FIM Supersport World Champion Stefano Manzi, who is set to make his WorldSBK debut this year.
Gardner endured a demanding 2025 WorldSBK season but still achieved significant milestones, including a strong podium finish at Assen and several solid results across the campaign. The 2021 Moto2 World Champion has consistently shown pace aboard the Yamaha R1, though injuries over the past two seasons limited his potential. Now fully fit and focused, the Australian heads into 2026 with a clear objective: to return to the podium on a regular basis.
GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK retains its distinction of fielding two World Champions in 2026, as Manzi steps up from the Supersport class after a dominant 2025 campaign aboard the Yamaha R9. The Italian rider has already made an encouraging start to life in WorldSBK, setting competitive lap times during pre-season testing.
The team is also pleased to welcome back several key partners, while introducing new collaborators for the 2026 season, all of whom will play an important role in the squad’s continued success.
Remy Gardner
“I can’t wait to be back and start a new season. This will be my fourth year with the team and we have great chemistry, so I know we can achieve strong results together. 2025 was a demanding year: we started well and took a strong podium in Assen, but the second half of the season was more difficult, with some unfortunate accidents. I feel good now and I’m confident we can enjoy a strong season together, fighting at the front and improving round by round.”
Stefano Manzi
“Here we are! 2026 will be my rookie season in WorldSBK and I’m really excited to compete in the premier class for the first time. The feeling during the first test sessions was positive, both with the bike and with the team, so I’m looking forward to the season starting. I know the level in WorldSBK is extremely high, so we’ll take it step by step, focusing on improving every session and getting closer each time. I’d like to thank the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and Yamaha for their trust – I’m confident we can do a good job together.”
Filippo Conti (Team Principal)
“We are all very excited for the new season. Having Remy with us again allows us to continue progressing together with a strong foundation. Our aim is to fight consistently for the front positions – we’ve proven we can do it, and we believe we have everything needed for a strong 2026 campaign. We’re also eager to start our journey with Stefano. He proved his talent in WorldSSP and has already made a positive impression during testing. We’ll support him throughout his rookie season, confident we can achieve strong results and make steady progress. I’d like to thank Yamaha for their continued support, as well as all our partners, both returning and new, who will be crucial to our success.”
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto in Spain for a two-day private test on 21–22 January, as Stefano Manzi and Remy Gardner completed valuable mileage ahead of the 2026 WorldSBK season.
The opening day of the test was heavily impacted by wet conditions, with rain persisting throughout the session. Stefano Manzi took to the track in the morning on wet tyres, experiencing the Yamaha R1 in the rain for the first time. The 2025 WorldSSP Champion completed 28 laps, setting a personal best of 1’55.044, which placed him fourth on the timesheets.
As the weather worsened in the afternoon, Manzi opted to remain in the garage to preserve valuable test time for the upcoming season. On the other side of the garage, Remy Gardner also chose not to run on Day 1 due to the conditions.
Conditions remained tricky on the second and final day, with a damp track in the morning following overnight rain. As the circuit gradually dried, both riders were able to complete useful laps on dry tarmac. Manzi completed 36 laps, recording a best time of 1’40.347, while Gardner completed 34 laps, setting a fastest lap of 1’41.249.
Unfortunately, rain returned at 16:00 local time, forcing the GYTR GRT Yamaha riders to end the test earlier than planned. Manzi and Gardner will return to action next week at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal for another two-day private test as preparations for the 2026 WorldSBK season continue.
Stefano Manzi – 1’40.347
“Finally we’re back in action, and I couldn’t wait to get back on track to improve my feeling with the Yamaha R1. On Day 1 we were able to ride in wet conditions, which could be useful during the season as we may face similar situations. On the second day we finally had dry conditions and managed to complete some good laps. Unfortunately, the rain in the afternoon disrupted our work plan and we missed some valuable track time, but we have another two-day test next week in Portugal to continue working and improving.”
Remy Gardner – 1’41.249
“It was great to be back on the Yamaha R1 and to see everyone again. Unfortunately, the weather limited our track time, so we had to manage our test days carefully. On the second day we finally rode in dry conditions, which helped me regain my feeling on the bike. The rain returned in the afternoon and forced us to stop early, but overall it was a good way to restart, and we’ll keep working next week in Portugal.”
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto in Spain for a productive two-day private test, with Stefano Manzi completing extensive mileage aboard the Yamaha R1.
Manzi made the most of the fully dry conditions on Day 1, with uninterrupted track time available from 10:00 to 18:00. The Italian immediately hit the asphalt in the morning session, continuing his adaptation to the Superbike machinery in what was only his second test with the Yamaha R1. He completed 95 laps throughout the day, showing consistent improvement. In the final runs, the 2025 WorldSSP Champion posted his best lap in 1’39.442 (lap 84), placing him seventh overall and giving the team a solid base of data.
The positive weather continued into Day 2, allowing Manzi and the team to carry on their program without interruption. The #62 rider demonstrated notable progress, improving his pace by almost a full second from the previous day. He clocked a strong 1’38.606, completing 72 laps to place himself seventh again overall, bringing his total over the two days to 167 laps.
On the other side of the garage, Remy Gardner did not take part in the Jerez test due to a shoulder injury sustained in a training incident. The Australian rider is now focused on achieving full recovery and is expected to return to action in 2026.
Stefano Manzi
“First of all, I'd like to send my best wishes or a quick recovery to Remy! Then, talking about the test, it was nice to be back on the bike and to complete two solid days of testing. I'm continuing to get used to the Yamaha R1 and to the whole crew around me, which is really positive. Just like in the first test, the main goal was to put in laps and build feeling with the bike, and I think we made some good progress. Unfortunately, we’ll now have to wait until next year before getting back on track, but that’s actually a good thing: we’re doing a good job, and we’re all looking forward to what’s next. We know we need to take things step by step and stay patient. For now, I’ll enjoy a bit of rest and keep training hard to be fully ready for 2026!"
The Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team is delighted to announce that 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship Champion Maria Herrera will race with the Italian squad in the WorldWCR from the 2026 season.
Herrera, 29, is one of the most influential women in motorcycle racing. She has built a solid career on the world stage, including several seasons in the Moto3 World Championship. She also competed in MotoE – being the only female rider in the class – from 2019 to 2025, consistently delivering strong performances in the electric category.
Between 2018 and 2021, she was part of the WorldSBK paddock, racing in the WorldSSP300 Championship and achieving promising results, before stepping up the following year to WorldSSP, where she continued to show competitiveness. She also raced in the same category in 2020 and 2021.
In 2024, Herrera made her presence felt in the inaugural FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, fighting for the title until the final race of the season. The following year, 2025, she won the championship with an exceptional campaign: six race wins and four additional podiums. Counting both seasons, she boasts 12 victories and 19 podium finishes out of 24 WorldWCR races.
Maria Herrera
“I’m very excited to join the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team for this new season. It will be my third year in the championship, and I believe that both the team and I bring a level of experience that will allow us to form a very strong pairing. I’m also particularly motivated because I’ve previously worked and raced with Ayrton (Badovini); he knows my riding style very well and knows how to bring out the best in me. I’m convinced that together we can take a step forward and fight for great results.”
Simone Bustreo, Team Principal
“We are extremely proud to announce that Maria will race with us next year. She needs no introduction: she is the most successful rider in the category so far and the reigning FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Champion after an extraordinary season. This signing confirms the effort we’re investing in this Championship and highlights our ambitions. We’re truly excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to get on track. I would like to thank all our partners for their trust, as well as all our supporters. A big season awaits us!”
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto, Spain, for a one-day private test, with Stefano Manzi immediately making an impression on his WorldSBK debut by setting the third fastest lap time.
Both riders faced tricky conditions in the morning, as light rain affected the opening hours of testing. When the track finally began to dry around 11:00 local time (test going on from 10:00 to 18:00 non-stop), Manzi headed out for his very first laps aboard the Yamaha R1, focusing on gaining confidence and understanding the Superbike.
The 2025 WorldSSP Champion completed a total of 95 laps, steadily improving throughout the day. In the final stages, he delivered a time attack, securing third overall with a 1’39.349 (on lap 87 of 95), while gathering valuable data and experience on the R1.
On the other side of the box, Remy Gardner’s day was limited by shoulder pain following his Superpole Race incident on Sunday. Despite the discomfort, the Australian still managed 16 laps in the morning session, setting a best time of 1’39.695 to end the day in ninth position. Gardner then decided to stop his test before lunchtime, preserving energy and track time for upcoming sessions.
Stefano Manzi – P3 (1’39.349)
“First of all, it’s amazing to make my WorldSBK debut — it’s been an exciting day and I couldn’t wait to ride the bike. Our main goal today was to complete as many laps as possible. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t ideal early on, and we lost a bit of track time, but we still managed to do a lot of work and I’m happy overall. Today was all about getting comfortable and building confidence with the Yamaha R1. From the next tests, we’ll start to focus more on details, so I’m already looking forward to being back on track.”
Remy Gardner – P9 (1’39.695)
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t ride as much as we planned today because of my shoulder. Still, we completed a few laps and decided to save half a day for later, which could be useful. I’m satisfied with what we managed to do, and now the focus is on the next test in a month’s time. I’ll take some rest to recover properly and come back in good shape for the next outing.”
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team concluded its 2025 campaign today at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto, with Remy Gardner finishing 11th in Race 2 after an unfortunate Superpole Race incident that ended his sprint on the opening lap.
Following a positive Warm Up session, both Gardner and Alessandro Delbianco entered the Tissot Superpole Race feeling confident. However, Gardner’s promising start was short-lived — after a lightning getaway that placed him among the leading group, he was taken out just three corners into the race. On the other side of the garage, Delbianco delivered a consistent performance, crossing the line in a solid 14th place.
Despite some pain in his right shoulder from the earlier crash, Gardner was declared fit to race and lined up 11th on the grid for Race 2. The Australian rider showed great determination, maintaining a steady rhythm and pushing through the discomfort to secure 11th at the flag. Delbianco also fought hard for points, displaying good pace throughout and ultimately finishing 17th.
Remy Gardner – Superpole Race: DNF / Race 2: P11
“It’s a shame to finish the season like this. We had a really strong opportunity today, but unfortunately it was taken away in the Superpole Race. I was taken out early on and felt some pain in my right shoulder afterwards, which affected me in Race 2. Still, our pace was good and we could have achieved a strong result — the whole team deserved it. Anyway, we’ll look ahead to next season with confidence and aim to be consistently fighting at the front.”
Alessandro Delbianco – Superpole Race: P14 / Race 2: P17
“Overall, it’s been a decent day, and I’m happy to have completed both races. In the sprint we showed good pace and enjoyed some close battles, and I was confident heading into Race 2 as well. It wasn’t easy to manage the full race distance here, as it was my first complete WorldSBK race this year, but lap by lap the feeling improved, and that’s really positive. I’d like to thank the Team and Yamaha for the opportunity — it’s been a great experience.”
