Due for lights-out in 2022, Yamaha has announced its unique R7-only Supersports series for Europe, with a grand SuperFinale event taking place at one of the final rounds of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship.
The SuperFinale will feature the 36 of the top riders from the national R7 Cups organised by their branches across Europe - and key to note here is that the R7 races aren’t meant for uber-competitive racing, much rather cost-effective fun & accessible track experiences for racers and serious track day riders alike.
Make no mistake, taking part isn’t going to be a walk in the park; expect top standards of riding.
As quoted in the press release, Paolo Pavesio, Director of Marketing & Motorsport for Yamaha Motor Europe, said:
"The concept behind the national R7 Cups and the R7 Series European SuperFinale is different to that of our other racing series, in that they are not designed specifically for young racers looking to progress up the racing ladder. Instead, they are designed to be cost effective and accessible for those riders who want to race primarily for fun or to step up after participating in track days.
The goal is to create a series with a real community spirit, one that feels welcoming to riders whatever their age or background. A series and an event in which Dad can race alongside his kids, or friends can compete to finally prove who is the fastest.
But while it's as much about enjoyment as it is about racing, we're sure that we're going to see some real competition on track as riders race to secure a place on the Yamaha R7 Series European SuperFinale grid at the end of the season!”
The Japanese manufacturer is naturally keen to promote the road-going R7 as a replacement for the track-only R6 and has the same DNA as its older sibling, the R1. In fact, in the full review, our very own Toad said that the R7 has the accessible nature of the MT-07, but the race DNA of the R1.
With the locations and date of the R7 European SuperFinale to be confirmed, we’re told that participants will ‘complete practice and qualifying on the Friday, before taking to the track for two races on Saturday’.
Coaching and advice will also be on offer to those who take part from Yamaha, and participants may even find themselves lining up on grid in the two races alongside some well-known faces…
So if you fancy your hand at racing the R7 with sights set on a SuperFinale experience of a lifetime, sharing the paddock with WorldSBK riders, and chat with Team Blue's riders from all three world championship classes, this could be your chance. Keep an eye out for more info.
It all sounds incredible, to be honest, and a great opportunity for the 689cc parallel-twin R7 GYTR spec bikes to show what they can do.
Read our Yamaha R7 review here, if you want more.
