Pata Yamaha launches 2022 WorldSBK defence with livery reveal

2022’s title defence began on Thursday as Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK unveiled its livery ahead of a weekend of action.

With 20 of the 24 full-time WorldSBK riders set to take to the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit on Saturday for two days of testing, 2021 Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu and Yamaha teammate Andrea Locatelli had a busy week. The duo showcasing their newly wrapped YZF-R1’s as the team prepared to defend the ‘Triple Crown’, with the Turk proudly displaying the #1.

Their second season as a double act, ‘Rookie of the Year’ Locatelli looks to learn from his dominant teammate - albeit having already claimed fourth overall on his debut - after Razgatlioglu collected 13 race victories, 29 podiums, three pole positions and seven fastest lap awards on his way to the title last year.

A raft of upgrades from Yamaha Europe, introduced across engine and chassis components as well as key electronics developments, await the pair, bolstering the Superbike-spec R1’s well-rounded race package. Launched in new colours with accents reflecting the latest production-based Yamaha R1, the 2022 machine returns title sponsor Pata for the seventh year in a row, with financial forecasting software company Brixx in the mix for a second term.

MaCams can also be seen on the bike for the coming season, highlighting the partnership with both the motorcycle accident management specialists and the BSB team - with assistance offered to the British Superbike outfit both during the winter months and for Tarran Mackenzie’s upcoming wildcard appearances on the world stage.

“My team has done incredible work over the winter and I have enjoyed testing all the developments!” Razgatlioglu confirmed ahead of the Barcelona action. “The new R1 WorldSBK