Christophe Ponsson will return to WorldSBK in 2021 with the Gil Motor Sport Team and use Yamaha machinery throughout the season with a first scheduled test in January.

Ponsson competed in three races on an Aprilia RSV4 in 2020 as a wildcard, taking part in the Spanish, Portuguese and Aragon Rounds of the championship where he scored four points with 12th place in race one at Jerez which was his only points finish in nine races.

The Frenchman has been in the paddock prior to 2020 as he has also competed in STK1000 and STK600 taking a best result of tenth in STK1000 and 11th in STK600.

"I'm very excited to ride in WorldSBK with Yamaha. I had a great time riding the Yamaha R1 during my three seasons in the Spanish Superbike championship," said Ponsson.

"I always felt comfortable on the Yamaha R1, made progress, achieved my best results and I’ve always been very confident with the bike. I am convinced that it will be the ideal package with the Gil Motor Sport Yamaha team.

"I look forward to discovering the Superbike Yamaha R1 at our first test in January 2021, and to starting the work with the team.”