Peta Maxus Yamaha faced a tough choice in the WorldSBK transfer market following the arrival of Jack Miller from MotoGP. The inclusion of the Australian rider automatically closed the door for Xavi Vierge to remain with the Iwata-based factory squad, as he was the only contracted rider without a valid seat for the upcoming campaign.
Losing the Spanish rider is regarded by Team Principal Paul Denning as a major blow to their garage, both on and off the asphalt. Management noted that Vierge not only delivered competitive performances on track but also proved to be an exemplary professional within the team environment throughout the season.
"I want to thank Xavi for being the most dedicated professional we could have wished for this year — probably the easiest rider to work with that we have ever had," Denning praised his former rider. "Despite the excitement surrounding Jack Miller's arrival in the team, it is a genuine disappointment that we cannot continue working with Xavi. We wish him the absolute best for the future — he knows the door will always be wide open should an opportunity for a renewed collaboration arise."
Echoing these sentiments, racing manager Niccolo Canepa previously voiced similar praise for the Catalan rider. Although forced to vacate his factory seat, Vierge will quickly bounce back after securing a competitive ride with the independent Barni Spark Racing Team.
Meanwhile, Yamaha faces an uphill task as they look ahead to the new season following a challenging campaign that proved difficult for the factory squad. Relying on the established Yamaha R1 platform — which remains one of the older machines on the grid without any immediate plans for a brand-new homologation model from Iwata — the team must rely on clever engineering.
Nevertheless, Paul Denning remains optimistic as the squad prepares for the upcoming championship battles. The introduction of significantly revised Balance of Performance regulations alongside new technical updates brought by the factory provides renewed enthusiasm within the garage.
"The final round at Jerez rounded off a difficult season for the Pata Maxus Yamaha team — yet it was a season with positive signs and tremendous motivation that we will take forward," Denning stated. "I also want to make it clear that the commitment from Yamaha and the team to fight for podium positions once again is unreserved at every level. The new season will kick off with a meaningful test for us, where Yamaha will bring a lot of new material."
Crucial private testing is slated for late November as part of their intensive preparations for the upcoming championship challenge. However, the squad will initially hit the track without their marquee new signing, who remains tied up with grand prix commitments elsewhere.
Read our in-depth analysis on rider transfers and technical developments here.
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