Gallery: PATA Yamaha launch 2018 WSB effort

The PATA Yamaha World Superbike team lifted the covers off the 2018 YZF-R1 Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark will campaign in 2018 at an official team launch in Portimao.

Staying on at the Portuguese circuit following the recent World Superbike test for the official press launch of the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M and R1, the Yamaha squad unveiled their 2018 project ahead of what is tipped to be a strong season for the Crescent-run squad.

Both Lowes and van der Mark showed good progress towards the end of the 2017 season and after a thorough winter testing programme both riders are confident of pushing further forward in 2018 with eyes firmly set on taking Yamaha’s first World Superbike victory since 2011.

“The 2017 season was an incredible one for Yamaha and the results we achieved across all classes mean that we enter into 2018 full of confidence,” said Yamaha Road Racing project manager Andrea Dosoli. “One of the key factors in motorsport is continuity and it is something we value highly. We are delighted to have retained both Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark in the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team after such a promising year for the team in 2017.”