The narrow defeat in last season's endurance world championship forced Japanese manufacturers to reevaluate their competitive strategies after BMW successfully shattered long-standing traditions by securing the first EWC title for a European brand. The German factory squad claimed victory at the Bol d’Or in mid-September, while defending powerhouse YART had to settle for third place in a difficult race week, finishing just four points shy of the new world champions in the final standings.
This outcome raised critical questions regarding whether the Yamaha R1 can continue matching the technologically advanced BMW M1000RR, especially with new homologation updates expected from the opposition. Speaking exclusively, Yamaha racing manager Niccolo Canepa insisted that he does not perceive any fundamental technical disadvantage despite losing the crown, expressing total confidence in the team's ability to fight for victories against top rivals.
While admitting he lacks insight into the performance levels of the upcoming rival machine, Canepa pointed to his squad's recent stellar records, including back-to-back victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2025 world title. He emphasized that the outfit possesses all necessary resources to remain exceptionally competitive within the demanding world of endurance racing.
Addressing the notion that their machine is no longer based on the newest superbike generation, the former racer acknowledged the age of the platform but stressed continuous yearly development. This progress is heavily driven by close communication between the endurance squad, the superbike test team, and engineers at the Japanese factory preparing for marquee events.
Nevertheless, internal analysis highlighted a vital area requiring immediate improvement following the Bol d’Or defeat, where efficient fuel consumption combined with high engine output allowed rivals to save a crucial pit stop over race distance. Canepa conceded that optimization in this specific domain remains a top priority as preparations ramp up for the upcoming championship battle.
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