P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Xavi Vierge will join Yamaha for the 2025 WorldSBK season to replace Jonathan Rea.
Xavi Vierge has been announced by Yamaha as the replacement for Jonathan Rea for the 2026 WorldSBK season, joining Andrea Locatelli on the team.
Vierge, coming from Honda, will have his first experience with the Yamaha R1 during the post-race test in Jerez in October.
Yamaha Motor Europe expressed their delight in signing Vierge, highlighting his experience and potential in both Superbike and Grand Prix racing.
Yamaha’s lineup for 2026 is now complete, with Vierge joining Locatelli, and Manzi moving up to partner Remy Gardner at GRT.
Honda’s 2026 lineup is yet to be confirmed, with speculations pointing towards Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra as the new faces for HRC.
