IDM Yamaha Team 2027 without Ten Kate and no contract extension for Twan Smits

Euro Moto Supersport winner Dirk Geiger has had his IDM Superbike contract in the bag for some time now. Following his promotion to the top class, his team-mate this year, Lennox Lehmann, is set to follow in his footsteps in the IDM Supersport. There will be no contract extension for Dutch rider Twan Smits, who has won no fewer than four Superbike races for Yamaha in 2026 and is competing this weekend at the Superbike World Championship finale in Jerez. The team and Ten Kate Racing Products are also going their separate ways.

After many years with Honda, first in the Supersport World Championship and later also in the Superbike World Championship, Ten Kate switched to Yamaha in 2019. The Supersport World Championship was won in 2021 and 2022 with Dominique Aegerter, and in 2025 with Stefano Manzi. The Dutch company has now reached an agreement with the Chinese manufacturer QJ Motor.

Team Apreco is supported by Yamaha

“Looking ahead, we have decided to part ways with Ten Kate, who have been our official technical partner for many successful years,” explained team principal Corine Brandhorst. “This has been a natural development since 2025, driven by the organic growth of my team staff and the expansion of our home base in Culemborg. This year, technical support from Yamaha’s European racing division has increased significantly, which has been a key factor in our success in Superbike. I would like to thank Ten Kate for their support, as they have been an integral part of my team’s development, growth and success.”

Whilst the split from Ten Kate following their reorientation towards China was not really surprising, the parting of ways with Twan Smits was all the more so. “It is with mixed feelings that I would like to confirm that Twan Smits will no longer be part of my team in 2027,” the Dutchwoman confirmed. “Part of how I feel is that I’m very proud that Twan is getting the chance to take a new step in his professional career – that has always been my goal and Twan’s dream.”

Third rider for the IDM

“But of course, a small part of my heart is also sad that he is now officially leaving us,” she continued. “At the same time, however, we’ll have three young riders whom I’ll also need to focus on, which gives me a lot of positive energy. Dirk and Lennox have already been confirmed for 2025 on multi-year contracts – just to make it clear once again: both will be riding for my team next year. I already know who the third rider for my team will be – a young, promising talent – but you’ll have to be patient a little longer until we can make the official announcement.”

Next up are test sessions in Jerez, Spain, on 25 and 26 November.