Albert Arenas closed the gap to the FIM Supersport World Championship leader to just one point with a pair of second places at the iconic TT Circuit Assen. After missing out on the win by just 0.080 seconds on Saturday, the Spaniard was in contention for victory in Race 2 when a red flag brought proceedings to a premature end while he was in second place.
Over both race days, rain had posed a threat and while there were periods of drizzle, they never amounted to much until the WorldSSP bikes were on their warm-up lap, when a heavier shower led to riders starting the race on a slightly damp track. This made for an even-closer-than-usual first few laps, with the opportunity for surprises such as Can Öncü (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate) taking an early lead from tenth on the grid after a rocket-ship start.
The tricky conditions levelled the field with just a couple of seconds covering the top ten. Öncü and Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing) both led the race, but ultimately the result would be decided by a red flag on lap 12 following a crash at Turn 5 for GMT94 Yamaha’s Roberto Garcia. While taken to the medical centre after the crash, Garcia only sustained superficial injuries in the incident.
Arenas, who was lining up an attack in the closing stages of the race, was 0.4 seconds behind eventual winner Philip Oettl at the time of the red flag. The result marks the 2020 Moto3 World Champion’s fourth podium of the season and sees him just one point off Jaume Masia in the title chase.
After a tough start to the year, Öncü returned to the podium for the first time in 2026 with third place for Pata Yamaha Ten Kate – running a special livery for the team’s home race to celebrate 25 years of Ten Kate Racing. However, while jubilant at a first podium of the season, Öncü was also frustrated to miss out on the chance to fight for victory with the premature end.
Lucas Mahias crossed the line tenth, while Aldi Satya Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing) was 14th despite a strong start on the wet track.
The Supersport World Championship resumes from 1-4 May at Balaton Park, Hungary.
FULL RACE TWO RESULTS
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing) – Race 1: 2nd, Championship 2nd (
“It was a tricky race today. The track conditions in the first lap were not great as it was quite wet, and then there was some more rain during the race but not a lot. Despite this I was quite calm and steady and felt I managed the first laps well. I was in a good position, and I was happy to be in second behind Philip in the middle of the race. As the fuel tank got emptier, my bike was starting tow ork even better so it is a shame we could not have the final fight because of the red flag as I believe I could have won today – however I am super happy for Philip because I have known him for a long time. It’s also good for Yamaha with two bikes on the podium, so we will work hard for the next race and try to continue how we have started the year.”
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