Yamaha Motor Europe is delighted to announce that Leandro Mercado has signed a new one-year contract with the Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team that will see him remain alongside Marvin Fritz and Karel Hanika for the 2027 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) season.
Mercado, known as “Tati”, joined YART for the 2026 EWC season after the team had been crowned champions in 2025 and quickly established himself as an integral part of the squad, adapting rapidly to the Bridgestone-shod YART R1 and gelling seamlessly with Fritz and Hanika, both on and off the track.
The trio enjoyed a dream start together by winning the season-opening 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans, before going on to secure podium finishes at Spa and the Bol d’Or as they fought for the EWC title until the final lap of the season, ultimately finishing as runners-up by just four points.
The 34-year-old Argentine arrived at YART with extensive experience across several international championships. He started his career in the United States, competing in the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup before being crowned the AMA Supersport Champion in 2009. He then went on to claim the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup title in 2014 and finish runner-up in the series in 2016. He also made almost 200 appearances in the FIM Superbike World Championship before establishing himself in endurance racing.
With Fritz and Hanika already secured on multi-year agreements, Mercado’s extension means the complete YART rider line-up will remain together for the 2027 season, providing the team with continuity as it looks to build on the trio’s successful first year together.
Leandro Mercado
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team
“I’m very happy to continue with YART. This first season with the team has been a very positive one, both personally and professionally. From the very beginning, the team made me feel welcome and part of the group, and I adapted very quickly. Together, we achieved some great results, including winning the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans and fighting for the championship until the very last race. Of course, there is a little disappointment that we couldn’t win the championship, but finishing second in the EWC is still a result we can be proud of. Personally, I’m very happy with my adaptation to the team, my performance and the progress we made throughout the season. Now we have a full year of experience together, and I’m confident that we can come back even stronger. The goal for next season is clear: to fight for the world championship again and bring the title back to YART. I want to thank the whole YART team, Yamaha and everyone who has trusted and supported me throughout this season. I’m very happy to continue this project, and we’re going all in for next year.”
Niccolò Canepa
Road Racing Sporting Manager – Yamaha Motor Europe
“We are extremely happy to continue for another year with Tati. He came into the YART team in a difficult situation, with the number one on the bike, a new team, new tyres and everything being new to him, but he fitted into the team immediately. He did a fantastic job in every race, made no mistakes and gave really good feedback to help us improve the bike. He is the perfect fit for the YART team, and we are really happy to continue with him. It has been a positive season for Tati, and we are looking forward to trying to get the number one back in 2027. With our three-rider line-up and the level of the overall package, I think it is really possible.”
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