22-year-old Sam Lowes and Yakhnich Motorsport team have signed a three-year contract with the aim of winning the World Supersport Championship and then move on to the World Superbike class.

The English rider, third in the 2012 World Supersport Championship, will ride next year on the Yakhnich Motorsport Yamaha R6 and will be teammate of 25-year-old Russian rider Vladimir Leonov, who finished two times on the podium in 2012. The team will receive official support of Yamaha Motor Europe but will carry out its own technical development.

With these two strong riders, Yakhnich Motorsport is confident to be one of the favorite teams for the 2013 World Supersport Championship title.

Alexander Yakhnich:

"I'm happy to announce that Yakhnich Motorsport takes another step in its long-term program for the World Supersport class and - in the future - for the Superbike class. As was our plan, the 2013 team is even stronger than last year, adding another top rider with Sam Lowes. We are confident to obtain top results in next year's World Supersport Championship. Our plan is in the future to bring both riders to the top level even in the World Superbike Championship. That's why we signed with both of them a long-term contract".

Sam Lowes:

"I'm very happy to be joining the Yakhnich Motorsport Team. They have given me a fantastic opportunity to compete and fight for the world title in 2013. I've seen how professionally they work and how their performances increased during the 2012 season and that's why I think I'm now in the right place at the right moment to be able to win next year's championship. I look forward to riding the Yamaha R6, a very strong bike, and starting my work with the Yakhnich team very soon. I'm very excited. Thanks to the whole team for their belief in me and support and all the fans behind me! Roll on 2013!"

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