News

The Pata Yamaha Official STK1000 Team is looking forward to the next instalment of the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup at Donington Park from the 27ty to 29^th May, as Niccoló Canepa will be joined by new-recruit Lucas Mahias for the fourth round of competition. Both riders are eager to get down to work having strong previous experience of the UK circuit.

Showing impressive pace despite a difficult debut weekend at Imola a month ago, Canepa is eager to return to the YZF-R1 at a track he knows well. Having ridden the 4,023m Derbyshire circuit on numerous occasions throughout his career - including victory in 2007 during his first STK1000 campaign - the Italian enjoys both the style of circuit and the support of the British fans. Continuing to develop his experience with the bike and the Pata Yamaha team during the recent Italian CIV round at Vallelunga, he is confident of a good showing at Donington this weekend.

Frenchman Lucas Mahias joins the Pata Yamaha STK1000 campaign as a replacement for compatriot Florian Marino, who is still recovering from his qualifying accident at Assen in mid-April. 27-year-old Mahias is no stranger to the world championship paddock having raced for Yamaha in World Supersport on five occasions in recent years, including delivering a podium performance at his home race at Magny Cours last season.

"I can't wait to race at Donington,” said Canepa. “I have good memories of this track, in fact I won my first ever race in STK1000 here in 2007! I know the track very well and I think that it will suit our YZF-R1. It is also amazing to race in England because the crowds are unique! My feeling with the bike is so much better than in Imola, so I am ready to fight for the top positions!"

"I'm very happy to join the Pata Yamaha Official STK1000 team as it provides me the opportunity to fight for the top places in this championship with a competitive motorbike in an official team,” added Lucas Mahias. “The last race for me at Donington Park was last year in World Supersport but I had to retire because of a technical problem. However, I love this circuit because there are a lot of long high-speed corners which require some precise technical breaking. Although I haven't had much experience yet with the YZF-R1, I am hopeful for a good result there. This track works well with my style of riding. This round is an important challenge as all will be new for me - the motorbike, team, championship and I am arriving in the middle of the season to replace Florian Marino, who I hope is recovering well - but my objective is still to be able to fight for the podium."

The first practice sessions on the Derbyshire track get underway on Friday 27^th May as the WorldSBK paddock get back on track in Europe.