2026 Sat 14 Mar

McAMS Yamaha Set for Andalucìa Outing as R9 Era Begins

Andalucía Testing

Testing

McAMS Yamaha and riders Brad Ray, Ben Currie, and Harry Truelove are set to return to action next week, as the reunited outfit heads to Andalucía for two days of pre-season testing on 18-19 March.

It’s been a long off-season for the McAMS Yamaha trio, though each has logged plenty of track time aboard stock-specification machinery to keep the racing spirit alive.

The test in the south of Spain gives Quattro Group British Supersport riders Currie and Truelove their first opportunity to throw a leg over the all-new race-specification R9, taking their initial steps towards refining the package ahead of the season opener later this year.

Both riders have already familiarised themselves with the standard Yamaha R9 throughout the off-season, adapting well to the new model and laying a strong foundation before making the switch to race-tuned specification.

With a focused development plan in place, the R9 side of the McAMS Yamaha operation will be looking to make the most of their two days on track.

For Ray, who returns to the saddle of the Yamaha R1 in 2026, the Andalucía test will provide his first taste of the race-specification machine since Brands Hatch last year.

The 28-year-old heads into his eighth British Superbike season with high expectations. Having only narrowly missed out on the title in 2025, he returns with a clear objective: to run consistently at the sharp end of the field.

Between now and the opening round at Oulton Park, Ray and the McAMS Yamaha squad will be focused on making meaningful gains throughout their pre-season testing programme – beginning next week at the 3.12-mile circuit.

Brad Ray

McAMS Yamaha - Rider (British Superbike Championship)

“I’m really looking forward to getting back out aboard my Yamaha R1 superbike next week. It’s been a long off-season and although I’ve enjoyed some productive time aboard the stock-Yamaha R1, nothing can quite beat the real thing! I last rode the superbike at Brands Hatch at the final round of 2025, so I’m keen to blow the cobwebs off and make a head start before official testing gets underway next month. We’ve got big ambitions for the upcoming season, and the team and I are going into next week’s test with a clear plan laid out. I can’t wait to put rubber to tarmac and make some positive steps forward.”

Ben Currie

McAMS Yamaha - Rider (Quattro Group British Supersport)

“I can’t wait to finally get together with the full team at McAMS Yamaha next week, and get to work in developing the all-new Yamaha R9 package. I’ve done plenty of laps throughout the off-season on the practice bike, which has been really valuable in familiarising myself with a new bike before I swing my leg over the race bike. I’m feeling good heading into the season, the key is to keep the ball rolling and aim to be as prepared as possible.”

Harry Truelove

McAMS Yamaha - Rider (Quattro Group British Supersport)

“I cannot wait to get out on the McAMS Yamaha R9 at Andalucìa next week. I feel like it’s been a long winter of training and testing, so It’ll be great to get to work with the team and make some strong steps forward with the new package. I’m looking forward to working with the team for the first time and seeing the Yamaha R9 in race trim, I’ve got some great guys behind me and with a solid plan laid out, I’m confident we can put together a couple of valuable days.”

Steve Rodgers

McAMS Yamaha, Team Principal

“The team and I are looking forward to heading out to Spain this week. It’s been a long off-season, and we’re all eager to get back on track and make the most of two productive days of testing. Brad, Ben, and Harry are itching to get back on the bikes, and the team have been putting in a lot of hard work behind the scenes throughout the winter. We’re heading into the test with a clear direction and well-defined goals for what we want to achieve. Andalucía will mark the first time the whole team comes together in one place - a great opportunity to gel and hit the ground running as a unit.”