Pata Yamaha flaunts #1 plate as it launches 2022 WorldSBK title defence

Pata Crescent Yamaha with Brixx have formally launched the defence of its hard-fought WorldSBK Championship title win with the unveiling of the 2022-specification Yamaha R1 for Toprak Razgatlioglu and Andrea Locatelli.

The Japanese manufacturer ended a 12 year wait to land only its second WorldSBK title win last season after Razgatlioglu halted the six-year reign of Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki at the precipice of the production-based series.

Regarded as one of the most memorable WorldSBK seasons to date defined by Razgatlioglu and Rea digging deep into a fierce - and at times physical - fight for honours, the Turk will subsequently mark his historic victory by swapping his customary #54 for the coveted #1 plate on his R1.

Indeed, while Yamaha - prepared by British-based Crescent Racing - embarked on a slow-burn of a journey in getting the latest generation R1 to the head of the WorldSBK order, team manager Paul Denning is confident it’s in for the long haul at the summit.

“It is a pleasure to show off the new Yamaha WorldSBK colours for the 2022 season,” he said. “Heading into this year’s racing has an extra special element as we line up as the defending WorldSBK Champions, but our goals remain the same – do our best, stay focused on what we can control and maximise our performance. 

“Both Toprak and Loka have been working hard over the winter, Yamaha’s engineers have been completely committed, and the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldBSK team has been fully engaged to finalise our competitive package both on and off the track.”

Alongside Razgatlioglu, who scored 13 wins and 29 podiums from 37 starts, will once more be 2020 WorldSSP Champion Locatelli, the Italian seeking his first WorldSBK wins this season to build on a Rookie of the Year campaign that gathered in momentum en route to fourth in the overall standings.