Yamaha Clinches Supersport Title at Magny-Cours

Yamaha secured the 2025 Supersport Manufacturers’ Title at Magny-Cours with a double win from Stefano Manzi, while Andrea Locatelli’s WorldSBK charge faltered and Jonathan Rea impressed in his retirement season.

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The FIM Superbike World Championship roared back into action this past weekend with Round 9 at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, and the French venue delivered plenty of talking points—especially for Yamaha.

Yamaha Seals the Supersport Manufacturers’ Title

All eyes were on the Yamaha R9 in its debut season, and the machine did not disappoint. Pata Yamaha Ten Kate’s Stefano Manzi produced a flawless double victory that not only extended his personal winning run but also clinched the 2025 FIM Supersport World Championship Manufacturers’ Title for Yamaha. It marked a milestone moment for the brand, securing championship glory in the very first year of the R9 project.

Locatelli’s Fight for Third Hits a Setback

Andrea Locatelli arrived in Magny-Cours determined to fight for third place in the WorldSBK standings. He showed strong pace on Friday, which raised optimism for a podium charge. However, he made a mistake in Superpole that pushed him further down the grid than expected. He displayed flashes of speed during the races, but he ultimately left the weekend frustrated, knowing he could have achieved more.

Rea’s Return with Fire

The round also carried extra emotion as Jonathan Rea returned to the paddock for the first time since confirming his retirement plans. The six-time World Champion showed he intends to bow out fighting, delivering a spirited ride in Race 2 that reminded everyone why he remains one of the fiercest competitors in the field. His resilience set the tone for Yamaha’s determination to keep pushing in the final stretch of the season.

Canepa’s Reflections

Niccolò Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe’s Road Racing Sporting Manager, praised the team’s efforts in both categories. While celebrating the Supersport title, he acknowledged the challenges still to come in WorldSBK, particularly Locatelli’s push for a top-three championship finish and the farewell tour of Rea.

With Magny-Cours wrapped up, the WorldSBK paddock now looks toward the crucial closing rounds, where Yamaha will aim to build on its Supersport triumph and finish the season with momentum in the premier class.