Sofuoglu to Motoxracing Yamaha for 2025 WorldSBK

Motoxracing is no longer a one-man band after replacing Bradley Ray with Tito Rabat and Bahattin Sofuoglu in a new two-rider program.

Since joining the championship Motoxracing has always been a one-rider team, but with Ray returning to British Superbike in 2025, former MotoGP rider Rabat will be stepping in alongside Sofuoglu, who moves up from World Supersport.

Motoxracing adding a second R1 to the grid means the Japanese brand will field seven bikes in 2025, second to Ducati who has eight bikes on the grid after Scott Redding and MGM Bonovo switched from BMW machinery.

“I’m excited to join the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team,” said Rabat. “I think the Yamaha YZF-R1 has a setup that is easier to define than other bikes, which means even a private team can be competitive.

“Our first goal will be the top twelve, but we’ll see how things go during the season. I can’t wait to start the winter tests and compete in the 2025 championship.  I want to thank Carusi for this opportunity, and hope to able to repay the team with good results.”

Sofuoglu is the nephew to former five-time Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu and will the third rookie as it stands to compete in WorldSBK next season after Ryan Vickers switched from BSB and Yari Montella was promoted to the Barni Ducati outfit alongside Danilo Petrucci.

Sofuoglu added: “I’m really pleased to be able to race with my former team again. We had some really good, successful seasons and podiums in WorldSSP300 and now we’re back together in the reigning class.

“My plan is to be ready as soon as possible as I embark on this exciting new chapter in my career. I’ve started riding a production YZF-R1 so that I can build confidence as I wait for the first tests. I want to say a big thank you to Sandro Carusi and Yamaha.”

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