Rick Olson will do double duty in 2013, riding both the R1 and R6. Image: Keith Muir.

Yamaha Racing with Ipone has resigned incumbent riders Kevin Curtain and Rick Olson for the 2013 racing season.

YRT, Yamaha’s factory supported road race outfit in Australia, came to agreement with both riders in the later stages of 2012 and are excited to have the duo back on board and look forward to another exciting year with them.

“The signing of these two riders was a priority to us,” states team owner John Redding. “Both have proven themselves to be in the elite of Australian road racing with Kevin at the top of his game and always a championship treat and Rick still on an enormous learning curve that doesn’t appear to be ending any time soon.

“They finished 1-2 in the 2012 Australian FX Superbike Championship so for us it was just a matter of getting the contracts done and we are proud to have them represent Yamaha and our team of sponsors in 2013.”

Yamaha Racing with Ipone will again contest the FX championships on board Yamaha R1 and R6 machinery. Curtain will again go on double duty, this time competing on his Yamaha R1 in the FX Superbike class as well as the Formula OZ category.

Olson also steps up his work rate taking on two classes in a day racing the R1 in the FX Superbikes and then steps back to the R6 for the FX600.

“I couldn’t be happier to stay with YRT and again work with a great team on awesome bikes,” Curtain explains. “I have been here for a few years now and everything still feels fresh and exciting and I’m still motivated to win races and championships.

“2012 was a great year for me on the track winning both classes but the competition continues to improve and that drives me to do the same.”

Olson is back for his third year on the factory squad and has proven to be the perfect partner for Curtain. He is fast, reliable, consistent and his racing continues to mature.

“This team works hard to win championships and help riders achieve their goals and that’s the kind of team I want around me. John and the guys in the workshop spend countless hours ensuring every detail is right and our race bikes are always in top shape.

“It’s great to have the contract out of the way and done and now we can focus on the upcoming season.”

The YRT racing year gets underway at the opening round of the 2013 Australian FX Superbike Championship on March 1-3 at Eastern Creek.