Xavi Vierge missed out on two satellite Ducati rides, but looks set to sign for the factory Yamaha World Superbike squad.

At the end of the 2025 World Superbike season, Xavi Vierge will leave the factory Honda squad after four years with the Japanese manufacturer.

In recent weeks, there have been reports that the Spaniard would switch from a Honda CBR1000RR-R to a Ducati Panigale V4 R with the GoEleven Ducati squad. Then it had been suggested that he was in discussions with Motocorsa Racing.

However, both sets of negotiations broke down, with the Spaniard now left without a ride for the 2026 World Superbike Championship.

But he may have found himself in a fortunate position to snatch a seat in a factory World Superbike squad for next year. The Pata Maxus Yamaha team still have a factory-spec Yamaha R1 available for next season after Jonathan Rea announced his retirement.

It was originally reported that Can Oncu would be promoted from World Supersport to World Superbikes with the factory Pata Maxus Yamaha World Superbike Team.

However, the Turkish rider is now likely to remain in World Supersport for the 2026 season, with discussions ongoing between Ten Kate Racing and Oncu.

Then there were discussions between Miguel Oliveira and the factory Yamaha squad, but these discussions led to the Portuguese rider preferring a deal with BMW, alongside Danilo Petrucci.

After turning down Oncu and being rejected by Oliveira, Vierge is now the prime candidate to replace the six-time World Superbike Champion at Yamaha.

According to GPOne, the Spaniard has put pen to paper on a deal with Yamaha for next season and will partner Andrea Locatelli. It is also expected that the announcement of his arrival will come in the next few days.