Matej Smrz set for Yamaha wild-card
A Yamaha YZF-R1 is set to be present on a World Superbike Championship grid for the first time since 2011 after it was revealed Matej Smrz is seeking a wild-card outing at the Nurburgring.
The Czech rider, younger brother of former WSBK stalwart Jakub Smrz, is a regular front runner in the German-based IDM Superbike series, where he rides a Dunlop-shod Yamaha R1 for MGM Racing.
Currently fourth in the IDM Superbike standings behind an all-BMW top three, Smrz is now preparing to make his WSBK debut ahead of his effective home event at the Nurburgring in September - a circuit that isn't included on this year's IDM calendar.
Yamaha hasn't been represented on the WSBK grid since the manufacturer withdrew its works-backed team at the end of the 2011 season. However, there are rumours that Yamaha machinery will make a full-time return to WSBK competition next year with current Supersport front-runners Yakhnich Motorsport set to take charge of an all-new effort.
