The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal, for a two-day test (28th-29th January) following the Jerez test and the official team launch. This session marked an important step in preparation for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship.
For the first time, Gardner and Aegerter hit the track in full 2025 colors, tackling mixed weather conditions across both days. They were joined by the majority of the WorldSBK field, making for a competitive testing environment.
The opening day saw the GYTR GRT Yamaha duo wait for track conditions to improve, opting to sit out the morning session while the asphalt dried. Around 13:00, once conditions were suitable, both riders headed out on their Yamaha R1 machines, focusing on Yamaha’s testing programme. As in Jerez, they continued evaluating new components for the R1 ahead of the new season.
Gardner completed a total of 52 laps, showing strong pace and finishing the day fourth fastest with a best time of 1’40.749. Meanwhile, Aegerter’s progress was slightly disrupted by a small crash, but he still managed to put in 41 laps, ending the session 16th with a time of 1’42.634.
On the second day, the team encountered tricky track conditions. Just as the green light signaled the start of the day, rain began to fall, forcing both riders to delay their runs. When conditions improved, Gardner managed to complete laps on slick tires before rain returned. Both he and Aegerter then switched to wet compounds, providing valuable feedback ahead of the 2025 season.
Remy Gardner (1’40.749)
“Overall, it was a good test. I enjoyed the feeling on the bike, and we managed a solid number of laps on slick tyres with good pace, including a strong single-lap time. It was also beneficial to get some wet-weather running, as we’ll likely face similar conditions during the season, so it’s good to be prepared and I feel better than last year on those conditions. Now, we head to Australia with confidence — I can’t wait to be there, get the season started, and see all the fans!”
Dominique Aegerter (1’42.634)
“It felt great to be back testing ahead of the 2025 season, even if the weather wasn’t ideal. Despite that, we gathered a good amount of data and put in some useful laps ahead of the first round of the championship. I also got the chance to ride in the rain, which could be valuable for the season ahead. Unfortunately, we missed some track time, but now we’re fully focused on Australia. We’ll have one more test session there before the first race, and we’re confident we can keep improving to be ready for the season opener.”
Following the first track action of 2025 in Jerez, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team has launched its Yamaha R1 WorldSBK contender ahead of the upcoming FIM Superbike World Championship campaign, with Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter ready to take on the challenge ahead.
The GYTR GRT Yamaha duo faced a challenging WorldSBK Season in 2024, but still managed to achieve significant milestones. Gardner secured his maiden podium in the Assen round, adding a front row qualifying to his tally in the meantime. Unfortunately, his progress was halted due to an injury suffered in Estoril Race 1, forcing the Australian rider to miss the season finale.
Aegerter’s season was disrupted by a mid-year training injury. Despite the setback, the Swiss rider made a strong comeback in the final rounds of 2024 season, regaining confidence ahead of the new Championship. Now, the #77 rider is determined to start the 2025 campaign on a high and deliver consistently strong performances.
The GYTR GRT Yamaha pair of Gardner and Aegerter is targeting to be regular contenders at the front at the pack, showcasing their potential and improving each round.
The team is also delighted to welcome back several key partners, as well as introducing new ones for the 2025 season, who will be significant in the squad’s successes.
Remy Gardner: “It was an interesting 2024, having a strong start with some good results, including my maiden podium in Assen and a front row start. The second part of the season was a challenging one, but I feel we did learn a lot and we’ll be able to show it next season. Unfortunately I couldn’t finish the year on a high due to the injury suffered in Estoril Race 1, forcing me to miss the season finale, but now I feel strong and I had good vibes in the Jerez test, so let’s stay confident for the upcoming championship. The goal is to stay regularly in the front places and improving every round.”
Dominique Aegerter: “It was a challenging season, but I feel that made me stronger. Our 2024 start was a tricky one as I had to miss the pre-season tests, which wasn’t ideal, but we still managed to score good results in the first races. Unfortunately, our progress was stopped by a mid-season injury suffered while I was training, which forced me to miss some races. Thankfully, I could come back for the final rounds and produce a good effort with the team, and now I feel strong and confident for the upcoming season. I would like to thank Yamaha for the support they gave me, as well as my partners and sponsors, the goal is for sure to be at the front consistently and be back on the podium, we did prove we could do it and we’ll push for it.”
Filippo Conti (Team Principal): “We are all excited for a new beginning. Having Remy and Dominique again means we can keep progressing and be strong together knowing each other. We would like to fight consistently for the front places, we proved it in the past and we feel to be strong enough to enjoy a strong 2025 campaign. I would like to thank Yamaha for the great support they give us every year. Moreover, I’m keen to thank all the partners who are supporting us once again, as well as I’m delighted to welcome the new ones who’ll be crucial to the team’s results.”
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action following the winter break with a one-day test at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, Spain, (22nd January) in preparation for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship.
Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter enjoyed a full, dry day on Spanish soil on Wednesday with the majority of the WorldSBK field joining them on track for the first day of 2025 action.
It was the first time Gardner had been on track since Round 11 of the 2024 season at Estoril last October, and Aegerter’s first time out since the final round at Jerez, so the duo spent the morning getting back up to speed on the R1. In the afternoon, they were able to get underway with Yamaha’s test programme, which included trying a number of new components for the R1.
Gardner completed 85 laps in total, finding a good feeling to cross the line 12th fastest with a time of 1'40.293. On the other side of the garage, Dominique Aegerter lost some time due to a technical issue, but was still able to produce 68 laps in total, sitting 20th on a 1'41.488 at the end of the day.
The team were due to be on track on Thursday 23rd February, but with heavy rainfall throughout the day, the team sat out the second day to save on test days for the remainder of the year. GYTR GRT Yamaha will now travel to Portugal, for one final pre-season test in Europe between 28th-29th January in Portimão.
Remy Gardner (1'40.293)
"Overall it was nice to be back on the bike, and we had a productive test. Unfortunately, we couldn't test the second day due to rain, missing some valuable track time, but on the first day we tried new things and the feedback was positive. Now let's stay focused and hope the weather stays clear in Portimao for the next test, I’m looking forward to produce some more laps there."ão per il prossimo test."
Dominique Aegerter (1'41.488)
"It was good to be back on the bike after a long time and to test my body. It wasn't easy to get used to the Yamaha R1 machine after a long period, but lap by lap I felt stronger and I wish we could have more laps. Unfortunately some technical issues forced us to lose some time, but we were still able to produce some productive laps in Jerez trying the new parts we have here. I hope the weather stays clear in Portimao and to clock many laps to get ready for the first round of the season."
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team is delighted to announce that the team will extend its commitment to racing with the brand new Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team, which will compete in the 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, featuring Sara Sánchez and Natalia Rivera as riders.
Sara Sánchez, 27 years old, enjoyed a very successful maiden campaign in the 2024 WorldWCR Championship, finishing third in the standings, collecting two race victories, nine podiums and one pole position to her tally, making the Spaniard one of the strongest riders in the field. She previously managed to make herself a name in the Women’s European Cup in 2021, finishing second in the Championship just one point off the title, as well as competing in some WorldSSP300 races in the past years.
Her teammate will be Natalia Rivera, who conquered the 2024 FIM Women’s European Championship. The Spaniard, 17 years old at the time, managed to score seven podiums in the FIM SSP300 WEC on her way to the title. Prior to that, she finished second in the same Championship in 2023, with six podiums, as well as achieving a remarkable second place in the FIM Yamaha bLU cRU World Cup Super Finale in Portimao Race 1. She also competed in 2022 FIM Yamaha bLU cRU World Cup, collecting some rostrum finishes. At the age of 18, Rivera is now ready to debut in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, challenging the fastest riders in the World.
The Team is also delighted to welcome Terra&Vita within the WorldSBK arena, partnering and syncing with GRT as Title Partner for the 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship campaign. Like the Team, Terra&Vita has high expectations for the 2025 season, sharing commitment, dedication and passion, the same values found in GRT.
Sara Sánchez: “It’s a pleasure for me to be part again of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship and also an honour to be part of the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team. I saw their work in the WorldSBK field, I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter with them, and I would like to thank them for this opportunity. I enjoyed a positive debut season in the WorldWCR, managing to score two race wins and several podiums; the target is to improve what I did last year and I’m confident that the team will support me in the best way possible to make it possible. I cannot wait to be back on track!”
Natalia Rivera: “I’m super excited for this new adventure and to compete in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship with the fastest riders in the World! I watched them in the inaugural Championship and I’m thrilled to share the track with them and testing myself in such competitive field. I enjoyed a very positive 2024 season, managing to achieve the FIM SSP300 Women’s European Championship Title, and that’s giving me a boost of confidence for the 2025 season. I would like to thank the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team for their trust in me, I will make sure to do my best!”
Filippo Conti, Team Principal: “We are delighted to announce that we will compete in the 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship as Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team. This is a very important step for us, and extending our commitment to the WorldWCR means a lot for the team. We enjoyed the inaugural season of the Championship, a very competitive one, and we decided to take part of it, featuring in our line-up two talented girls such as Sara and Natalia. Sánchez proved herself already in 2024, scoring wins, poles and podiums, being one of the fastest rider on the grid and we’ll support her in the best way possible to improve her results and fight for even more. At the same time, Natalia is a very talented rider who made herself a name by winning the FIM SSP300 Women’s European Championship as well as achieving podiums in the FIM Yamaha bLU cRU World Cup. She’s very young, but we’re confident she’ll be able to fight for podiums and wins throughout the season. Last, but not least, I would like to welcome Terra&Vita with us, our Title Partner; together we share values, passion, dedication and commitment, and with them we have further strengthened our platform to take the fight in the 2025 season. We can’t wait to get started.”
Dominique Aegerter rode strongly in the last Superpole Race of the season, narrowly missing out on a top-nine finish crossing the line in tenth; while Alessandro Delbianco produced a good effort to enjoy two consistent races on Sunday.
Following a decent warm-up, Aegerter and Delbianco were feeling confident ahead of the Superpole Race. The duo enjoyed a good start overall, with Aegerter gaining a number of places. Afterwards, the Swiss rider showed strong pace in the 10-lap contest, battling until the chequered flag for ninth, narrowly missing out on the finish line to be tenth at the end. In the meantime, Delbianco improved each lap with good race speed, battling to P18.
Starting from 13th and 20th on the grid in the final race of the season, Aegerter and Delbianco enjoyed a decent getaway. Then, the #77 rider again showed good pace to fight for ninth place until the end, but a crash with four laps to go saw a premature end to his race. Meanwhile, Delbianco produced consistent pace before the race was cut short on lap 17 by a red flag, with the Italian finishing in P17.
Dominique – Superpole Race: P10 / Race 2: DNF
“First of all, I’m okay and that’s the most important thing. I’m really sorry for the guys, that’s not the way we wanted to finish the year, but let’s move on and head towards the future. Today’s races were not bad anyway, especially the sprint; my pace was good and I could fight for ninth until the end, which would have promoted my into third row for Race 2. Unfortunately I couldn’t take that place, narrowly missing out at the last lap. Then, in Race 2 pace was consistent and good again, and I was able to fight for ninth; I tried my best to stay as close as possible to the rider in front of me, but unfortunately I ended up crashing. I would like to thank all the team and Yamaha who supported me in this challenging season, we’ll be back stronger next year.”
Alessandro Delbianco – Superpole Race: P18 / Race 2: P17
“It was a decent Sunday overall. In the sprint our pace was not too bad and I could battle with the guys in front of me, so it was quite a positive one. The story was the same in Race 2, where I was trying to manage the tyres for the latter stages of the race. Unfortunately, red flag came in just when I was trying to give my final push, but it was still a decent race. I would like to thank Yamaha and the team for the opportunity they gave me again, it was a good weekend and I wish them all the best for the future.”
Dominique Aegerter enjoyed a strong run to ninth place in Race 1 at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Spain, for the last round of the 2024 FIM World Superbike Championship.
The GYTR GRT Yamaha pair of Aegerter and Delbianco put the final Free Practice to good use, gearing up for the Tissot Superpole qualifier. Afterwards, in the 15-minute session, Aegerter secured 13th on the grid with a strong lap (1’38.868), while Delbianco kept improving to qualify 21st with a 1’39.945.
In Race 1, Aegerter enjoyed a strong getaway, gaining positions in the opening lap. The Swiss rider rode strongly in the 20-lap contest, matching rostrum pace until the end to stay close to podium contention until the end, eventually crossing the line in ninth place. In the meantime, Delbianco enjoyed a decent start, showing consistent speed to cross the line 19th at the chequered flag.
Dominique Aegerter – Superpole: P13 / Race 1: P9
“That was a decent Saturday for sure and to finish inside the top 10 is good, considering it was one of my targets. In qualifying it wasn’t easy to achieve a good starting grid position, we were close to the others in front and every thousandth of a second could make the difference. Then, in Race 1, I had a very good race pace, matching podium finisher Locatelli’s rhythm, which is promising for the remainder of the weekend.”
Alessandro Delbianco – Superpole: P21 / Race 1: P19
“It was a productive Saturday overall. In the qualifying, I was able to improve considerably my lap time and go under 1’40, which is good for the rest of the weekend as well. Then, in Race 1 I tried to make my best and overall we showed consistent speed, gaining useful data for tomorrow. We’ll now check the data and look for further improvements for the final races of the weekend.”
