Yamaha and Xavi Vierge will formally half methods on the finish of the 2026 WorldSBK season, opening the door for Jack Miller to probably exchange the Spaniard at Pata Maxus Yamaha.
After only one season with the Japanese producer, Vierge’s contract will expire on the finish of the present marketing campaign. The announcement comes because the 29-year-old continues to wrestle with a difficult Yamaha YZF-R1, at present sitting thirteenth within the championship standings with high finishes of sixth place at Assen and Portimão.
WorldSBK grid shakeup: Miller in, Vierge to Ducati?
The transfer comes amid a significant reshuffle throughout the WorldSBK grid, with a recreation of musical chairs sparked by as much as 4 present MotoGP riders concentrating on strikes to the collection. Present Prima Pramac Yamaha rider Jack Miller is closely tipped to take over Vierge’s seat for 2027.
Regardless of dropping his manufacturing facility Yamaha drive, Vierge’s time in WorldSBK seems removed from over. The Spaniard is rumoured to be in pole place to switch compatriot Álvaro Bautista at Barni Spark Racing to race a Ducati Panigale V4R.
Yamaha praises Vierge’s dedication amid hardships
Although the YZF-R1 has confirmed troublesome to handle this season, Vierge’s relentless efforts haven’t gone unnoticed inside the Yamaha camp.
“Xavi has proven unimaginable professionalism and willpower all through 2026, and we’re very grateful for every little thing he has dropped at the venture and for all his exhausting work this season,” mentioned Niccolò Canepa, Highway Racing Sporting Supervisor at Yamaha Motor Europe
“It’s no secret that we now have had a difficult yr, however Xavi has all the time been an incredible individual to have within the venture and an actual pleasure to work with. We’re unhappy to see him go however want to thank him for his dedication and want him the perfect for the long run.”
Vierge’s upbeat character and tireless work ethic have drawn reward throughout the paddock all through his profession, traits echoed by his crew administration.
“For me personally, and I do know doubtless that I can communicate for each single individual inside the crew, it’s with enormous remorse that we’re unable to proceed with Xavi into the 2027 season,” insisted his Pata Maxus Yamaha Group Principal, Paul Denning.
“His fast adaptation to the R1 plus his uncooked pace, bravery and technical readability imply that we’ll miss an outstanding rider but additionally a really particular individual. It’s uncommon that any person is so effectively preferred and so deeply revered by everybody he comes into contact with, however Xavi has an distinctive stage of professionalism, honesty and respect in the direction of his work and the folks round him.
“We genuinely want him all of the constructive issues that he deserves and guarantee Xavi that the crew’s door will all the time be open for any future alternatives. Vamos Xavi, and thanks.”
