Motoxracing Extends Contracts for Rato and Smits
The Motoxracing WorldSBK Team will retain Mattia Rato and Twan Smits for the 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Motorsports
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Mattia Rato and Twan Smits have signed contract extensions with the Motoxracing WorldSBK Team for the upcoming 2027 season. The duo competed together for the team during the final three rounds of the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.
Why it matters
The team aims to build on the foundation established with both riders in 2026 to achieve more consistent points-paying finishes. Yamaha will support this effort by providing the team with upgraded R1 motorcycles for the 2027 campaign.
Rato secured three wins and seven podiums in the Italian Supersport championship, while Smits earned four wins and six podiums in the German Superbike series. Rato also logged 14th and 15th place finishes in 2026 WorldSBK race outings.
The players
Mattia Rato
He is a motorcycle racer who finished 14th and 15th in WorldSBK races in 2026 and previously placed third in the Italian Supersport championship.
Twan Smits
He is a professional rider who finished fourth overall in the 2026 German Superbike championship and made a wildcard WorldSBK debut at Assen.
Motoxracing WorldSBK Team
This is a professional motorcycle racing team competing in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.
Yamaha
This is a global manufacturer that produces motorcycles and provides technical support for racing teams.
The details
Motoxracing will receive enhanced support from Yamaha, which will supply the team with its latest specification R1 machines. This move is designed to help the team improve its results compared to the performance observed during the 2026 season.
Timeline
Rato and Smits competed in the 2026 WorldSBK season.
The riders will race for the Motoxracing team in 2027.
Season Trajectory
These contract extensions signal a focus on continuity following the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The team expects that pairing improved R1 hardware with familiar riders will elevate its standings for the 2027 season.
The transition to latest-spec R1 bikes marks a significant equipment upgrade that should result in faster lap times for the team in 2027. Fans should monitor how this new hardware impacts the team's ability to challenge for points compared to their 2026 performance.
The takeaway
Retaining current riders while upgrading hardware is a common strategy for mid-field teams looking to climb the ranks in professional superbike racing. Success in 2027 will ultimately depend on how quickly the team can optimize the new Yamaha R1 specifications.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and rider news, visit our Motorsports section.
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