Xavi Vierge and Yamaha: Niccolo Canepa leaves the door open for a return

After just one season, Xavi Vierges’ time with the Yamaha factory team in the World Superbike Championship is coming to an end. His place will be taken in 2027 by Jack Miller, who is moving from MotoGP to the World Superbike Championship within the Yamaha organisation and will be riding alongside Andrea Locatelli in future. Yamaha manager Niccolo Canepa spoke to SPEEDWEEK.com during the race weekend in Cremona about how he feels about the decision regarding Vierge.

“I’m really sorry that we couldn’t continue with Xavi,” said Canepa. He recalled the situation Vierge was in before his move to Yamaha. At the time, he had lost his seat at Honda and was looking for alternatives. “Last year he was in a difficult situation and didn’t have a seat. I’d like to believe that we helped his career along considerably by giving him the opportunity to ride for a factory team in the Superbike World Championship.”

High praise from Yamaha for Vierge’s contribution

From Canepa’s point of view, Vierge has made the most of this opportunity. “He did so in the best possible way: with very good winter tests, excellent behaviour in the pits and good feedback on the bike. He helped us with development,” emphasised the Italian. “On a personal level, too, I can’t say a single negative thing about him.”

Yamaha-Rennchef Niccolo Canepa

Foto: gold & goose

Canepa hopes for a good outcome for Vierge’s next step. “I hope he finds the best possible opportunity to continue his career. And you never know: this paddock is very small after all. Perhaps we’ll have the chance to work together again in the future.”

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There are strong indications that Vierge will move to the Barni Ducati team in 2027. There, Vierge would ride alongside Yari Montella, replacing Alvaro Bautista. Official confirmation is still pending.

Jack Miller mit der Werks-R1 für Suzuka

Foto: FIM EWC

Canepa explained that Yamaha’s decision to go a different way, despite the good working relationship with Vierge, was due to the rare opportunity to sign Miller. “When the chance arises to bring a rider like Jack, with his experience in the World Superbike Championship – including his experience on Michelin tyres and in MotoGP – into the team, it was simply impossible for us to turn that down.”

Canepa thus makes it clear that Vierge’s departure is not a reflection on his performance. Whether their paths will actually cross again in the Superbike paddock remains to be seen.