As talk continues to swirl around regarding the 2019 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid, German website Speedweek.com are reporting current WorldSSP championship leader Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing) could be in line for a step up into WorldSBK.

Moving over to the WorldSBK paddock for 2018, Cortese settled in straight away and it didn’t take him long to become acquainted with the Yamaha YZF-R6. Leading the title chase into the summer break, it’s clear his skills can cross over into the WorldSBK paddock, and talk is now turning to his whereabouts next season. With two wins, five podiums and three pole positions, the step over for the 2012 Moto3™ World Champion was a smooth one.

Talk continues to come back to GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team making the step up into WorldSBK next season – supported by Yamaha. With names such as Marco Melandri, Tom Sykes and Lucas Mahias linked to the ride, there are now other names put into the mix.

Speaking to Speedweek, Yamaha’s race director Andrea Dosoli explains: "GRT wants to move up, and we will try to help them. It would be nice if we could offer a place to such up and coming riders. Sandro Cortese is doing very well.”

However, the article continues to explain how the decision could hinge on the number of bikes the team can run: "It will be difficult for a rookie if he is on his own," continues Dosoli.

With the Suzuka 8 Hour race creeping up – on 27th July – it seems Yamaha’s priorities are focused on the race which they will hope to win for the fourth year in a row. Dosoli continued: "We want to have everything signed by the time of the Suzuka Eight Hours."

Keep up with the latest news, or follow Cortese’s progress as he made the step over to the paddock, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.