GRT retains Mahias, Caricasulo and factory Yamaha status for 2018

Lucas Mahias and Federico Caricasulo have both been re-signed by the GRT Yamaha squad for the 2018 World Supersport championship, with the team retaining its official factory status for next season.

Mahias currently trails Kenan Sofuoglu by four points in the World Supersport title battle heading into his home round at Magny-Cours and has been quickly re-signed for 2018 alongside his current team-mate Caricasulo, who is sixth in the World Supersport riders’ championship.

Both riders have recorded win on the new YZF-R6, while Mahias has only missed the rostrum on two occasions in 2017, which has led the pair to be given a one-year contract extension for next season along with the squad’s official status as the Yamaha factory-supported team in the World Supersport championship.

Mahias is thrilled to re-sign for the factory Yamaha squad and aims to maintain his title fight for both this season and into 2018.

"I am really happy to have signed for another year with GRT and Yamaha,” Mahias said. “Yamaha is the manufacturer closest to my heart. I started my career with them in 2009 on an R6 and it is great to know that I will get to fight for the 2018 Supersport World Championship in the official Yamaha team and riding the R6.

“This year was my first time with an official team in WorldSSP and it has been amazing, so I am excited to continue with GRT and Yamaha for another season. The team really is the perfect setup for me and the R6 is by far the best bike.

“It has allowed me to always be fighting at the front during 2017 and with another year of experience under our belts, in 2018 I believe we will have an even stronger package.”

Caricasulo, enjoying just his second season in the series, has echoed his team-mate’s sentiments and feel he can build on a solid 2017 campaign to launch a title challenge next year.

“I'm very happy to be staying with GRT and Yamaha for another season because we have shown how competitive we can be this year and that will only improve in our second season together,” Caricasulo said. “GRT are an amazing team and I love the Yamaha R6, plus the experience we have gained together in 2017 has made me a stronger and better rider.

“Therefore, continuing this journey together should allow us to be even faster and more consistent in 2018. My aim next year is to win the title and I feel I that racing on the R6 in the official GRT Yamaha team is the perfect combination to allow me to try and become a World Champion.”