Christian Iddon debuts with Yamaha in British Superbike

Waiting for the 2026 British Superbike season, Christian Iddon has tested the Yamaha R1 of the SENCAT by Swan Racing team for the first time.

An early Christmas present for Christian Iddon. Ahead of the 2026 British Superbike season, the former Supermoto specialist had the chance to try the Yamaha R1 of the SENCAT by Swan Racing team for the first time at the Almeria Circuit.

After a 2023–2024 biennium spent under the Oxford Products Racing Moto Rapido Ducati banner, Christian Iddon decided to move to the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki team, with whom he contested the 2025 British Superbike. Aboard a Ninja ZX-10RR in AJN Steelstock colors—one of the few capable of breaking the Yamaha and Ducati hegemony—the Stockport native finished eighth in the championship, bringing the Akashi manufacturer back to the top step of the podium at the Assen round across the Channel. Despite the option to continue with this outfit for the new Bimota project, for next year he accepted the offer from Swan Racing and Yamaha Motor UK, aiming to finally capture that BSB title he has been chasing for several years.

Anticipating the extended winter testing restrictions, Christian Iddon sped up the timetable. Over the past weekend, the newly minted SENCAT by Swan Racing rider got to familiarize himself with the R1 during a free practice day at the Almeria Circuit. Having raced virtually with every manufacturer in British Superbike, this will be the first season with Yamaha for both Iddon and Swan Racing.

While the name of the rider who will partner Christian Iddon is yet to be announced, this outing on the Iberian Peninsula also officially marked the baptism between Swan Racing and Yamaha. Having ended its multi-year partnership with IN Competition Racing Aprilia—securing the 2024 BSB Pathway class title with Lewis Rollo—Chris Barnes’ outfit has joined Iwata’s ranks with a view to 2026, fielding two R1s with full support from Yamaha Motor UK. In addition to the new Superbike project, Swan Racing has also renewed its British Supersport commitment with two Triumph 765s entrusted to the confirmed Lee Johnston and Freddie Barnes.