Fully fit and firmly established with GYTR GRT Yamaha, Remy Gardner heads into his fourth WorldSBK season with targeting regular podium finishes
GYTR GRT Yamaha has officially unveiled its 2026 WorldSBK campaign following the first on-track running of the year at Jerez, with Remy Gardner once again at the heart of the Italian squad’s ambitions as it looks to re-establish itself at the front of the field.
Now entering his fourth season with GRT Yamaha, Gardner brings continuity, experience and renewed confidence after a challenging 2025 campaign that was shaped as much by injury as it was by performance. Despite the setbacks, the Australian still delivered standout moments, most notably a strong podium finish at Assen, while regularly showing the pace required to fight inside the top group aboard the Yamaha R1.
With his injury issues now behind him, Gardner is relishing the opportunity to start the new season on the front foot.
“I can’t wait to be back and start a new season,” Gardner said. “This will be my fourth year with the team and we have great chemistry, so I know we can achieve strong results together. 2025 was a demanding year: we started well and took a strong podium in Assen, but the second half of the season was more difficult, with some unfortunate accidents. I feel good now and I’m confident we can enjoy a strong season together, fighting at the front and improving round by round.”
Gardner will be joined in 2026 by reigning Supersport World Champion Stefano Manzi, who steps up to the premier production-based class following a dominant title-winning season. The Italian has already made an encouraging first impression during pre-season testing, adapting quickly to the Yamaha R1 and the demands of WorldSBK competition.
“Here we are! 2026 will be my rookie season in WorldSBK and I’m really excited to compete in the premier class for the first time,” Manzi said. “The feeling during the first test sessions was positive, both with the bike and with the team, so I’m looking forward to the season starting. I know the level in WorldSBK is extremely high, so we’ll take it step by step, focusing on improving every session and getting closer each time. I’d like to thank the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and Yamaha for their trust – I’m confident we can do a good job together.”
Team Principal Filippo Conti believes the combination of Gardner’s experience and Manzi’s momentum gives the team a strong platform heading into the new season, while also underlining Gardner’s importance as the squad’s reference point.
“We are all very excited for the new season,” Conti said. “Having Remy with us again allows us to continue progressing together with a strong foundation. Our aim is to fight consistently for the front positions – we’ve proven we can do it, and we believe we have everything needed for a strong 2026 campaign.
“Remy has shown his potential with the podium at Assen and strong performances throughout the season, and now that he is fully fit we expect him to be fighting where he belongs. At the same time, we’re also eager to start our journey with Stefano. He proved his talent in WorldSSP and has already made a positive impression during testing. We’ll support him throughout his rookie season, confident we can achieve strong results and make steady progress.
“I’d like to thank Yamaha for their continued support, as well as all our partners, both returning and new, who will be crucial to our success.”
With stability on one side of the garage and fresh energy on the other, GYTR GRT Yamaha enters 2026 focused on turning potential into consistent results, with Gardner leading the charge in what shapes as a pivotal season for both rider and team.
