Kyle Smith secures 2022 WorldSSP return with VFT Racing

Kyle Smith joins Tom Booth-Amos as the second British rider confirmed for the 2022 WorldSSP championship after signing for VFT Racing Yamaha.

Smith impressed as a replacement rider in 2020 as he claimed two podiums in his four races, however, the 30 year-old was without a ride last season. 

The three-time World Supersport race winner will link up with German rider Marcel Brenner who has already been confirmed at the Yamaha team. 

"I am really motivated to return to the World Supersport scene and to start a new project, with a team that believes in me," said Smith. "I can't wait to work hard for a successful season and show what we are capable of. I would like to thank all the sponsors who support us."

The 2022 season will be Smith’s sixth full-time campaign in the intermediate class which is among the highest on the current grid - only Jules Cluzel and Raffaele De Rosa have more.

Smith’s signing for VFT Racing also sees him become the 11th rider to be confirmed aboard Yamaha machinery, while Valentine Debise, Luca Ottaviani and Alessandro Zetti are expected to be the final three. 

Fabio Menghi, Team Manager at VFT Racing, added: "We were working on having a line-up consisting of fast riders for 2022, and I'm really happy to have Kyle Smith on our team. 

"Kyle, together with Marcel, makes a duo of drivers who will give us more than just a few satisfactions, especially since our team, with over 30 years of experience, is more motivated and hungrier for success than ever. 

"I would like to thank the sponsors and all those who believe in this project like we do."