Starting from pole for the first time in his World Championship career, Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing) got away well but it was Yamaha team-mate Can Öncü who took to the front in the early stages, followed by Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) who enjoyed a lightning start from the third row of the grid.
Filippo Farioli (VFT Yamaha), who qualified strongly in fifth, was also in the podium battle in the first laps before a crash ruled him out of the race.
The three R9s of Garcia, Öncü and Arenas sat comfortably at the front for the first half of the race with the pace hot – Arenas set a new lap record on Lap 10, almost half a second faster than the previous record from 2025.
However, drama would strike as the race entered the final stage with Garcia crashing out of the lead at Turn 15 on the 15th lap. This left Öncü in charge of the race, and despite a battle, Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing rider looked to have the pace over rivals Arenas and Valentin Debise, but a mistake on the final lap closed things up for the final few corners, with the trio entering the final chicane three-abreast.
Running slightly wide, Öncü came out the ‘worst’ and crossed the line third, behind Arenas with Debise taking the win.
Elsewhere, 2024 WorldSSP300 Champion Aldi Satya Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing) scored his best result since his Phillip Island podium with a ninth placed finish, while Lucas Mahias took 11th for GMT94 Yamaha.
Yuki Okamoto finished 24th on the second Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing R9.
Arenas’ second place, coupled with title rival Jaume Masia out of the race, sees the Spaniard take control atop of the standings by 19 points, and having set the fastest lap of the race he will again start from pole position on Sunday. Öncü joins him on the front row in third, with Garcia set to start fifth.
Lights go out for Race 2 at 14:00 local time.
Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing) – Race 1: 2nd, Championship: 1st (125 points)
“It was a very fast race, my Yamaha team-mates were riding very well and were super-fast – especially Roberto who set a very fast pace! I wanted to keep calm and wait for the end. The last lap was a bit of a mess in the last corner, I tried to pass Öncü but then Valentin came but what is important for us is that we are being consistent. I still feel I can improve some things for tomorrow. I will focus on that, and try to analyse where we can try to take another step forward – although overall, a positive day!”
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