Bahattin Sofuoglu and Mattia Rato will compete for the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team in the 2026 season.

After the final round of the 2025 World Superbike season, the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team have confirmed their rider line-up for the 2026 season.

The team have decided to retain Bahattin Sofuoglu for a second season after he completed his rookie year on the Yamaha R1 with the team in 2025. However, he will have a different teammate alongside him in the garage next season.

Mattia Rato will make his debut in the World Superbike Championship next season, after making an appearance in the World Supersport Championship in 2025.

"When I embarked on the Superbike path, my team immediately trusted in me and we started this season together, my debut year," Sofuoglu said after his 2026 plans were announced.

"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."

'Our goal is to work as hard as we can to see continuous growth...'

Rato said: "The chance to compete in World Superbike in 2026 has come about almost unexpectedly, but I had no doubts about accepting this challenge. 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."

Team Manager Sandro Carusi added: "In the recently concluded season, one of the positives for our team was the continuous growth of Bahattin Sofuoglu, in a year that saw us field two riders for the first time. This was a significant commitment in terms of the growth of our structure, which will be further strengthened in 2026 with the arrival of some new technicians.

"As well as confirming Sofuoglu and his growth project, we will field another youngster, Mattia Rato, as part of our ongoing “mission” to showcase the talents of young riders. In addition to our sponsors, I want to thank Yamaha and Road Racing Sporting Manager, Niccolo Canepa, for the faith they put in our team. Trust that we hope to repay by working hard to achieve the goals we’ve set ourselves."