GALLERY: Mahendra, Oncu and Rinaldi seen in Yamaha blue as World Supersport project is unveiled
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The new three-cylinder R9 will propel Yamaha riders into a new season of potential title contention with a mix of rookie and experienced riders
The FIM Supersport World Championship season will be underway soon and now Yamaha riders have a new tool at their disposal. The Japanese manufacturer have homologated their new R9 for competition in World Supersport and as such, riders like Aldi Mahendra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) will look to replicate his WorldSSP300 success now at the next level. Racing alongside him is Can Oncu, the Turkish 21-year-old is heading into his fifth year in World Supersport however this will be his first time atop a Yamaha after having competed exclusively with Kawasaki. Joining these two Yamaha riders is Michael Rinaldi, (GMT94-YAMAHA) who raced in WorldSBK last year. These three new riders will compliment Yamaha’s already formidable set of riders including 2024 runner-up Stefano Manzi, (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) flanked by rookie teammate Yuki Okamoto, and Lucas Mahias, who will join Rinaldi with GMT94 Yamaha in what will be his ninth season in World Supersport.
Can these dynamic rookies find their footing as soon as their rookie season amid not only a new championship, but a new bike as well? Subscribe to the WorldSBK Videopass for comprehensive access to WorldSBK as well as WorldSSP races!
