Albert Arenas has been crowned 2026 FIM Supersport World Champion after securing fourth place in Race 1 at Circuito Estoril, as Yamaha celebrates a record 12th manufacturers’ title in the class.
The AS BLU CRU Racing rider built an unassailable championship lead during a faultless debut campaign, having moved to WorldSSP from the Moto2 Grand Prix World Championship. The Spaniard has stood on the podium at every complete event to date in 2026, with a total of three victories and 16 podiums.
Despite limited winter testing and the AS BLU CRU Racing team being new to the R9 for 2026, Arenas hit the ground running in Australia earlier this year, winning his maiden WorldSSP race in just his second race back at Phillip Island. Further wins at Balaton Park and Misano strengthened his title challenge, but it was the Spaniard’s remarkable consistency that ultimately proved decisive. His lowest finish of the season has been fifth, while he has missed the podium on just five occasions.
Arenas’ title marks back-to-back WorldSSP Rider’s Championships for the Yamaha R9, following Stefano Manzi’s dominant 2025 campaign, and further underlines the competitiveness of Yamaha’s middleweight Supersport machine.
Yamaha was also crowned 2026 WorldSSP Manufacturers’ Champions in Portugal, extending its record as the most successful manufacturer in the history of the championship with a 12th manufacturers’ title. Arenas’ performances played a pivotal role in securing the crown, while Can Öncü (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) have also taken victories aboard the R9 this season. Aldi Satya Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing) and Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) have further added to Yamaha’s podium tally.
The AS BLU CRU Racing Team were also able to secure the 2026 Teams’ Championship, to top off a perfect first season with Yamaha.
Yamaha will work to conclude their successful 2026 campaign in Jerez, before work begins on the title defence during the 2027 season.
