Andrea Locatelli (Yamaha) is hoping to benefit from Jack Miller’s wealth of experience

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the 2027 Superbike World Championship. Michelin is replacing Pirelli as the sole tyre supplier, and a rev limit will be added to the familiar balance system. We’ll also see new bikes from BMW and Honda, as well as new riders such as Supersport World Champion Albert Arenas (GoEleven Ducati), Brad Binder (BMW) and Jack Miller (Yamaha), who are currently still competing in MotoGP.

Of the riders mentioned, the switch is likely to be easiest for Miller. The Australian is staying within the Yamaha family, and the R1 is his practice bike. He’ll also be joining Andrea Locatelli in the Pata Maxus garage, whom he knows from various events both on and off the track. Locatelli has high hopes for his new team-mate.

“We’ll soon be back on the track for testing – I’m looking forward to it,” said Locatelli at the EICMA motorbike show. “Jack brings a wealth of experience, particularly with Michelin tyres. So he brings a wealth of knowledge that will help us work out what adjustments we need to make to the bike over the course of the season. We shared the bike at the Suzuka 8 Hours – he’s a great bloke and we had a lot of fun. I think we can do a good job together.”

As the top Yamaha rider last season, Loka could only manage twelfth place in the World Championship – Yamaha suffered an incredible slump across the board in 2026. What does the 30-year-old expect for the new season?

“We’ll have to keep our fingers crossed a bit, as there are a few question marks hanging over 2027. I’m feeling positive about the new season and will once again give it my all on the track. But it’s impossible to predict what the outcome will be at the moment,” mused Locatelli. “Recently, our potential hasn’t been all that great and it’s been difficult to deliver a good performance. Overall, though, I expect we’ll have a different season and enjoy ourselves more. It’s likely that several manufacturers will have the potential to win races. All we can do over the winter is work hard to be in the mix.”

Locatelli and Miller will meet for the first time as team-mates at the Valencia test on 9 and 10 December.