The 2026 FIM R3 BLU CRU World Cup field took an important step towards the new season as the riders came together at Cremona Circuit in Italy for the official two-day pre-season test on 8-9 April, ahead of the opening round at Balaton Park from 1-3 May.
This year’s entry list features 23 full-time riders aged 14-18 from 11 different countries, underlining the global reach of the FIM R3 BLU CRU World Cup. With 2025 champion Alessandro Di Persio stepping up to the FIM Sportbike World Championship in 2026 on a Yamaha-supported ride, highlighting the progression available through the award-winning BLU CRU programme, the fight for this year’s title is wide open, with the winner set to earn the same opportunity for 2027.
The official test marked the first time the 2026 field assembled in full, bringing the riders together at Cremona to begin the serious work ahead of round one. The opening day was centred on getting the youngsters fully prepared for the season ahead, both on and off the track.
After arriving at the circuit, the riders received their riding kit, including a race suit, boots, gloves, chest protector, base layers and more. They then took part in the traditional bike lottery, where each competitor drew a number from a bag that assigned them the R3 they will race throughout the season, ensuring a completely level playing field. The official photoshoot followed before attention turned to getting everything ready for the track.
The opening day also featured a special visit from FIM Superbike World Championship rider Andrea Locatelli of the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team. Drawing on his experience at the highest level, Locatelli spoke to the riders about how to build a race weekend, refine their riding position and dial in the final setup details that can make a difference once the racing begins. It was also an opportunity for the youngsters to begin understanding the demands of racing on the world stage and the level of detail required to compete at the highest level.
Later in the day, the riders joined Di Persio and FIM R3 BLU CRU World Cup Racing Technical Manager Sergio Barat for a track walk, where they received valuable insight into how to approach the Cremona Circuit.
The riders also benefited from the guidance of former WorldSBK rider and FIM R3 BLU CRU World Cup Official Rider Coach Pawel Szkopek throughout the two days, as he worked with the youngsters across the test, offering mentorship and advice as they prepared for the season ahead.
Day two was all about hitting the track, with six dedicated 20-minute sessions giving the riders valuable time on their Yamaha R3 machines ahead of round one. Another special guest at Cremona was reigning FIM Supersport World Champion Stefano Manzi, who now competes in the FIM Superbike World Championship with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. Riding alongside the youngsters throughout day two, Manzi offered a valuable point of reference for the next generation, sharing insight from his own journey through the ranks while helping them better understand the commitment, mentality and professionalism needed to build a career at world championship level.
Xarly Mendez from the Dominican Republic was the fastest rider across the test, with the top four separated by just 0.170s, while all 23 riders lowered their lap times over the course of the second day as confidence continued to build and the pace steadily improved at Cremona.
The championship continues to serve as a proven pathway to professional success, offering identical machinery and a level playing field where talent, determination and racecraft define the next generation of racing stars. With another highly competitive field assembled for 2026, the stage is set for a season full of close battles, bold overtakes and career-defining performances.
The 2026 FIM R3 BLU CRU World Cup takes place across six rounds alongside the FIM Superbike World Championship, beginning at Balaton Park from 1-3 May, before visiting MotorLand Aragon, Donington Park, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Cremona Circuit and Circuito do Estoril later in the year.
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