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.
RACE 1 RESULTS
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team), 2026 FIM Supersport World Champion
“It feels, so, so good and special, especially to give this title to my team and Yamaha as they have done an incredible job for the whole season. Starting from the very first race, where we fought for the lead and then won in the second race, we have been able to be so consistent throughout the season, fighting for wins when we could or the podium or best result possible when not. I am so happy with this achievement. We did not start the season in the easiest of ways, everything was new for the team and for me, but our approach was calm and we built it up together and gave each other the space to achieve what we needed to and this is a reflection of that. The team and Yamaha have given it everything, so it is nice we get to enjoy this together.”
Niccolò Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe
“First of all, a huge congratulations to Albert and everyone at AS BLU CRU Racing. To win the Supersport World Championship in your first season is a fantastic achievement, but to do it with the consistency Albert has shown makes it even more special.
“Moving from Moto2 to WorldSSP, joining a new team and getting to know the R9 was never going to be easy, especially with limited testing before the season, but Albert adapted incredibly quickly. From the first round, he was fast, he was consistent and he worked very well with his team.
“What impressed me most was that even on the weekends where he wasn’t able to fight for the win, he was always there, scoring points and never giving up. That consistency is what wins championships, and Albert has done that brilliantly this year.”
Andrea Dosoli, Division Manager, Motorsport Division, Yamaha Motor Europe
“Albert’s World Supersport title is a fantastic achievement and an important milestone for Yamaha, particularly that this is only the second season of competition for the R9. To win the Riders’ Championship with a rider and team both new to the R9 this year demonstrates the strength of the package and the quality of the work being done across our WorldSSP programme.
“Together with the Manufacturers Championship, this title makes us especially proud. The manufacturers’ title is very important to Yamaha because it reflects the performance of the R9 across the entire championship, with different riders and teams contributing to our success throughout the season. To secure a record-extending 12th manufacturers’ crown, along with back-to-back rider’s titles for the R9 is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the project.”
Michael van Zomeren, Marketing & Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe
“A huge congratulations to Albert Arenas on securing the WorldSSP title in his very first attempt! It has been an exemplary season for him. The R9’s continued success in the FIM Supersport World Championship further underlines its position as the leading middleweight Supersport machine. Winning the title in its first season was a huge statement, but to come back and defend the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ crowns makes that achievement even more significant and further demonstrates the capability of the R9 as a complete Supersport package.
“Credit must go to our teams, AS BLU CRU Racing, Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing and GMT94 Yamaha, and their riders for their hard work, commitment and determination throughout the season. A big congratulations also goes to our Motorsport Division for all their hard work in keeping the R9 at the top of the WorldSSP standings, and for putting together a rider line-up that has delivered such an incredible result.”
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