WorldSBK rookie Andrea Locatelli and Pata Yamaha have agreed a new deal that will see the Italian remain until the end of 202✨3. 

Last season’s WorldSSP champion was on a one-year deal that had a second year option (2022), before the new deal was conf🦋irmed by Yamaha.

Locܫatelli has far and away been the standout rookie🐽 of 2021 with three podiums so far - hasn’t finished worse than fifth in any of the last 12 races. 

Locatelli has also formed one of the best and most consistent rider lin🔯e-ups on the ♔grid with Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is currently leading the world championship by seven points of Jonathan Rea. 

The 24 year-old's new deal means only Honda have fact꧒ory seats left to fill, as MotoGP’ Iker Lecuona and Moto2’ Xavi Vierge are considered the favorites. 

Speaking about his contract extension which was a matter of when not if over the last few weeks, Locatelli added: "I’m really happy to be extending my contract with Yamaha💧 for two more years. For me, it’s a great opportunity. 

"We have a really goꦫod group, a good team and a good bike, so I think in the future we𝓀 can do very well. 

"I’m so excited to be here and to continue to be a part of the Yamaha family. I’d like to say a special thanks to Andrea Dosoli, Eric de Seynes [Yamaha Motor Europe President & CEO], and everyone at Yamaha for giving me this opportꦉunity. 

"Now, we have two more years to try to improv൲e together and achieve the best possible results."

L🅺ocatelli is currently in action for round nine of the season in Catalunya and finished yesterday’s opening day third overall.