Geiger signs Yamaha Superbike contract for Euro Moto 2027/28

Whatever time Dirk Geiger sets in practice this coming weekend, he will have to start the first race from the pit lane. Since Oschersleben, the third engine has been fitted to his Yamaha R9, meaning he will have to start two races from the back of the grid. But before Geiger and the Apreco team turn their attention to the Euro Moto Supersport series, the team agreed on a contract extension, linked to their promotion to the Superbike category.

“In my three- to five-year plan for the team’s development, it was always the intention to eventually compete with two bikes in the Superbike class. What wasn’t originally part of my plan, however, was Dirk Geiger’s promotion,” explains team owner Corine Brandhorst. “He and Lennox Lehmann have proved to be a very strong team, and I would have liked to see both of them racing together in the Supersport class in 2027, before they make the move to World Supersport in 2028. At the same time, there was considerable interest from several riders in racing alongside Twan Smits in the Superbike class in 2027 and 2028. Together with Yamaha, we drew up a shortlist of three riders, which I then discussed with my team and our riders. When I sat down with Dirk, he asked me at the end of our conversation: ‘Why aren’t you actually considering me?’ For a moment I was speechless, because Dirk had never previously shown any interest in the Superbike class and had always been completely focused on moving up to World Supersport. In consultation and collaboration with Yamaha, we would also have made this move possible for him should he win the championship this year or next.”

Successful R1 tests

“Over the past few months, Dirk has tested the R1 GYTR on several occasions and also taken part in two rounds of the World Endurance Championship,” Brandhorst continues. “In doing so, he was once again able to demonstrate his great talent and confirm that this step up is a real possibility. Together with Yamaha, we have discussed at length how we can make this move a reality and have drawn up a development plan for both riders over the winter. The goal is clear: we want to bring the Euro Moto Superbike title to Team Apreco and Yamaha within the next two years. The reward for the rider who wins this title is also clear: as soon as the title is back with Yamaha, the next step in his career is already secured.”

It’s definitely one of the coolest bikes in the entire field at the moment.

Dirk Geiger

With the contract in the bag, Dirk Geiger can look forward to a relaxed winter break and focus entirely on his new role. “I’d like to thank Corine and Yamaha for the opportunity to compete in the Superbike class over the next two seasons,” Geiger says. “My decision to shift my focus from World Supersport to the Superbike class has a lot to do with the professional team structure that Corine and Yamaha have built up around the riders. I’m convinced that this will open up many opportunities for me in the future. Ever since I saw Twan on the R1 during the winter tests and at the first race weekend at the Sachsenring, I’ve been extremely impressed by this motorbike. And let’s be honest: it’s definitely one of the coolest bikes in the entire field at the moment.”