Yamaha and Andrea Locatelli will continue their World Superbike partnership for a further two seasons.

Andrea Locatelli and Yamaha Motor Europe have reached an agreement for the Italian to continue with Yamaha’s official team in the World Superbike Championship in 2026 and 2027.

With his new deal, the Italian will enter his sixth and seventh seasons with the Japanese manufacturer in the Superbike class.

The 28-year-old currently sits fifth in the World Superbike standings after his strongest start to a World Superbike season on an R1.

Locatelli has claimed three podium finishes, with one being his maiden World Superbike victory at the TT Circuit Assen.

“I am really happy to sign with Yamaha for another two years," Locatelli said when he renewed with the Japanese manufacturer.

"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!"

“Having been with us for six years now, Andrea has become a true part of the Yamaha Racing family," said Niccolò Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Sporting Manager.

"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, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement that will see him become one of the longest serving Yamaha riders in WorldSBK history.”