Manzi and Öncü Share Podium as Title Battle Continues

Yamaha R9 riders Stefano Manzi and Can Öncü finished second and third in Estoril Race 1, keeping the 2025 FIM Supersport World Championship title fight alive heading into Sunday’s season finale.

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The 2025 FIM Supersport World Championship title remains undecided after a thrilling Race 1 at Circuito Estoril, where Yamaha R9 riders Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Can Öncü (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) finished second and third, extending the fight into the final day of the season.

Manzi Charges from 13th to Second

Starting from 13th on the grid, Manzi delivered a remarkable comeback ride, slicing through the field to join the front runners within just a few laps. The Italian’s pace and precision aboard his Pata Yamaha R9 carried him into podium contention by mid-distance, eventually securing a strong P2 finish after 18 intense laps.

With three races left in the season and one more to run this weekend, Manzi now holds a 64-point advantage over teammate Öncü, needing to maintain a 50-point margin after tomorrow’s race to seal the 2025 championship.

Öncü Fights Hard from Pole

Starting from pole, Can Öncü showed determination throughout the race, battling hard with Manzi and the leading pack. Though narrowly missing out on victory, the Turkish rider’s P3 finish earned him 16 valuable points, keeping his championship chances mathematically alive heading into Sunday’s Race 2.

Yamaha R9 Riders Dominate Top Six

Behind the podium trio, Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) put in a solid ride to finish fourth, just 2.667 seconds off the lead after starting from sixth. His consistent pace underlined Yamaha’s strong presence across the field.

Meanwhile, Alberto Surra, standing in for the injured Aldi Mahendra at the Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team, impressed with a mature performance to take sixth in only his second WorldSSP start.

Further down the order, Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) endured a tougher day, finishing 17th after serving a double long-lap penalty. Despite the setback, Garcia will start from pole position in Race 2, offering a fresh opportunity for redemption.

All Eyes on Race 2

Sunday’s 18-lap finale promises another thrilling showdown, with Manzi starting from P5, Öncü from P3, and Surra from P4. With the championship still on the line, Estoril’s finale could decide whether Manzi claims his long-awaited crown or if Öncü takes the title fight right down to the wire.