In a significant midseason change, Andrea Locatelli of the Pata Maxus Yamaha team is set to work with a new crew chief, Emanuele Martinelli, starting from the French Round at Magny-Cours. This decision comes as part of Yamaha's efforts to revitalize Locatelli's performance in the 2026 World Superbike Championship (WSBK), following a season that has not met expectations.
Niccolo Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe's road racing sporting manager, addressed the situation during the first practice session at Magny-Cours, acknowledging the disappointing results Locatelli has achieved this year. "On Locatelli's side, the results have been lower than the expectation, we can't hide from that," Canepa stated. He emphasized the need for a reset to help Locatelli regain his confidence, suggesting that reshuffling the team could provide a fresh perspective and boost performance.
Locatelli's 2026 campaign has been a stark contrast to the previous season, where he finished fourth overall in the standings and celebrated his first WSBK victory in Race 2 at Assen. Currently, he finds himself outside the top 10 in the standings, struggling to replicate the success he enjoyed last year. His best finish this season has been a fifth place in Race 2 at Phillip Island, with only one other top-six result at Assen. This marks a troubling trend for the rider, as he faces the possibility of concluding the season without a podium finish.
The decision to replace Giulio Nava, Locatelli's former crew chief, comes after a series of high-profile technical signings in the offseason. Nava previously worked with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, contributing to Alvaro Bautista's title-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023. His transition to Yamaha was anticipated to enhance Locatelli's performance, especially after Tom O'Kane, Locatelli's crew chief from 2025, moved to work with Xavi Vierge. However, the results have not aligned with these expectations.
Despite his reassignment, Nava will remain with Yamaha in a different capacity, taking on a performance analyst role that spans both the Pata Maxus Yamaha and GYTR GRT Yamaha teams. This strategic move allows Yamaha to leverage his extensive experience in MotoGP and WorldSBK, aiming to improve the performance of all four bikes under their banner.
As Locatelli prepares for the upcoming races, the collaboration with Martinelli will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The French Round at Magny-Cours presents an opportunity for Locatelli to reset his season and begin a new chapter with his crew. With the pressure mounting and the season nearing its conclusion, every race counts as he seeks to reclaim his position among the top competitors in the World Superbike Championship.
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