Team APRECO has officially confirmed that Twan Smits will leave the team at the end of the 2026 season. Following a successful year in the EURO MOTO Superbike Championship, the Dutch rider is preparing to take the next step in his professional racing career. While his departure marks the end of an important chapter, Team APRECO has also confirmed its continued commitment to Yamaha and the championship for 2027.

A farewell with mixed emotions

After the most successful season in Team APRECO’s history, with an impressive 31 podium finishes across the 2026 campaign, the team is preparing for several changes ahead of the upcoming season. The most significant announcement is the departure of Twan Smits, who will not continue with the Dutch racing team in 2027. Having represented Team APRECO in the Superbike category aboard the Yamaha R1, Smits now has the opportunity to take another step forward in his professional racing career.

For Team Owner Corine Brandhorst, the decision brings mixed emotions. Supporting young riders in their development and helping them progress to the next level has always been an important part of the team’s philosophy. While saying goodbye is never easy, seeing Smits receive this opportunity is also a reason for pride.

“There is part of the emotion where I am super proud that Twan has got the opportunity to make a new step in his professional career and this has always been my goal and Twan’s dream. But of course, a small part of my heart is also crying that he is leaving us now officially,” explained Brandhorst.

Although Smits’ next destination has not yet been officially announced, his departure represents a positive step in his racing career and reflects Team APRECO’s commitment to developing young talent.

Team APRECO confirms its 2027 rider line-up

Despite Smits’ departure, Team APRECO remains fully committed to Yamaha and the EURO MOTO Championship. The team will continue competing in both the Superbike and Supersport categories with the Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R9. Dirk Geiger and Lennox Lehmann, who signed multi-year agreements in 2025, have already been confirmed for the upcoming season. A third young rider has also been selected to join the team, although the official announcement of his identity will follow at a later date.

For Brandhorst, the upcoming season brings plenty of motivation despite the emotional farewell to Smits. With three young riders forming the team’s future line-up, the focus remains on continuing the successful development of recent years and building on the achievements of the 2026 season.

Technical changes and preparations for 2027

Alongside the changes in its rider line-up, Team APRECO has also announced the conclusion of its long-standing technical partnership with Ten Kate Racing Products. The decision follows the team’s continued growth, the expansion of its facilities in Culemborg and the increasing technical involvement of Yamaha’s European racing division. Team APRECO expressed its gratitude to Ten Kate for the important role the company has played in the team’s development and success over the years.

Preparations for the 2027 season are already underway, with the next major step scheduled for November 25–26 at Jerez. During the two-day Superbike test, the team will evaluate an updated version of its 2026 Yamaha R1 machinery. The feedback collected will help determine the final specifications for the 2027 race bikes, which are expected to make their first appearance on track around February.

Thank you, Twan!

While Team APRECO looks ahead to another exciting season, the team would like to express its appreciation to Twan Smits for his dedication, commitment and contribution. His departure is a reminder that success in motorsport is not only measured in race results and championship standings, but also in the opportunities created for young riders to progress in their careers.

Thank you for everything, Twan. Everyone at Team APRECO wishes you all the best for the next chapter of your racing career!