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Yesterday we published the first part of the interview with Yuri Danesi, manager of Andrea Locatelli, fresh from the success of Assen in Race 2. With him we talked about his client from the human side.
Today we publish instead the second part, where Danesi analyzes the situation related to the Superbike 2026 rider market with Locatelli at the center of the negotiations. Andrea's contract is in fact expiring and his future has yet to be written.
"Andrea's contract is expiring, so as a result we have to decide how to move for next year," he told us, "our priority is to have a project, represented by having a bike that allows us to fight for the World Championship and victories at every race. That is our priority and I want to be very clear about that."
Many observers say he will continue with Yamaha.
"At the moment with Yamaha we have not yet signed the renewal let alone has the manufacturer priority towards Andrea. That said, towards Yamaha, we have a moral duty because they have always supported us, in every situation. They welcomed Andrea into Supersport, helping him get to the title and then taking him to Superbike the following year. With them there is a path that lasts over time and Yamaha is the priority for us. We will listen to their proposal first, then we will make all the appropriate evaluations."
Because of what he's shown on the track, I imagine you'll want an engagement fee aligned with Rea's?
"The economic component is undoubtedly important, because as of today Andrea is for all intents and purposes a top rider and should be considered as such. Apart from that, Andrea's priority is to have a World Championship winning bike, that is, a bike that allows him to be up there in front like he was last Sunday at Assen."
We know, however, that you have talked to other manufacturers.
"Yes, I don't deny that. I spoke with BMW and Ducati, who asked me about Andrea, showing interest, as did Honda. I confirm that I have spoken with these three factory teams in recent weeks."
Yuri, who is the deciding factor? Toprak?
"No, in my opinion it is Bautista, because everyone is curious to see what he will do, and should he retire, there would be a free Ducati V4 that is particularly coveted in the paddock. I think if Toprak were to leave, BMW would have no problem looking for a replacement."
When do you think we will know the future of the top guys? Will it be a slow rider market or could something happen between Cremona and Most?
"In my opinion at Cremona something will already be known. We are in no hurry, we will listen carefully to what Yamaha will propose to us as well as the other manufacturers. I repeat: our priority is a project and a bike that allows us to be there in front in every race."
