Isaac Vinales loses 2022 WorldSBK ride as Motoxracing announces replacement

Motoxracing Yamaha has announced a change of rider ahead of its maiden 2022 WorldSBK Championship campaign, swapping out Isaac Vinales in favour of the experienced Roberto Tamburini.

The Italian outfit was a surprise last minute addition to the 24-strong entry list for the 2022 season running a customer Yamaha R1 with Vinales - who competed with Orelac Kawasaki last year - named as its rider.

However, after suspicions were raised about the team’s future over the last week when it became apparent Vinales was sourcing an alternative ride, Motoxracing has now confirmed it is going ahead with its plans but with Italian racer Tamburini on board.

Though the 31-year old has kept a fairly low profile in recent years, Tamburini is no stranger to the WorldSBK paddock having notched up a series of top five finishes in WorldSSP between 2010 and 2014, before a four year stint in Superstock 1000 yielded four wins, 16 podiums and twice runner-up spots in the overall standings.

“I’m very pleased to compete in WorldSBK for the first time and I want to thank Sandro Carusi for this great opportunity. Our initial plans were different, but I’m happy to embark on a season that will no doubt prove challenging, but that I will take on with great motivation. 

“We’ll be up against top-level teams and riders, and so we’ll need to do our very best. This is why I’m working hard to prepare physically too because it won’t be easy with three races over two days. It’s going to be a real challenge, and I’m very excited to get started.”

2022 WorldSBK Entry List [as of 30/3/22]