Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) will leave the Pata Maxus Yamaha squad at the end of the current MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season. The #97 joined the team for the 2026 campaign, replacing the retiring Jonathan Rea, but has found success hard to come by in a year of struggle for the Japanese manufacturer compared to recent years when they have consistently fought for the podium.
Vierge first entered WorldSBK in 2022 at Honda HRC, alongside Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati), and took one podium for the Japanese brand in Indonesia in 2023. With Honda opting for a new line-up for this year, Lecuona moved to Ducati while Vierge switched to Yamaha. He has, at times, been the fastest rider on the Yamaha R1, with a best finish of sixth at Portimao in Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race at Assen. He is the second-highest Yamaha rider in the standings, behind Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha), in 13th place; ‘Loka’ is in 12th.
Niccolo Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe, said: “Xavi has shown incredible professionalism and determination throughout 2026, and we’re very grateful for everything he has brought to the project and for all his hard work this season. It’s no secret that we have had a challenging year, but Xavi has always been a great person to have in the project and a real pleasure to work with. We are sad to see him go but would like to thank him for his commitment and wish him the very best for the future.”
Pata Maxus Yamaha Team Principal, Paul Denning, added: “For me personally, and I know without doubt that I can speak for every single person within the team, it is with huge regret that we are unable to continue with Xavi into the 2027 season. His quick adaptation to the R1 plus his raw speed, bravery and technical clarity mean that we will miss a superb rider but also a very special person. It’s rare that somebody is so well liked and so deeply respected by everyone he comes into contact with, but Xavi has an exceptional level of professionalism, honesty and respect towards his work and the people around him. We genuinely wish him all the positive things that he deserves and assure Xavi that the team’s door will always be open for any future opportunities. Vamos Xavi, and thank you.”
Follow more WorldSBK action throughout 2026 using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 70% off!