In a move that has left the racing world both emotional and intrigued, Moto3 world champion Albert Arenas has bid farewell to MotoGP, but his racing journey is far from over. After an emotional announcement ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix, Arenas revealed that 2025 would mark his final year in the MotoGP paddock, a decision that tugs at the heartstrings of fans who’ve followed his career. But here’s where it gets exciting: the 2020 Moto3 champion isn’t hanging up his helmet just yet. Instead, he’s shifting gears to join the World Supersport championship in 2026, teaming up with Yamaha and AS Racing to compete on the Yamaha R9 alongside Aldi Satya Mahendra.
In a heartfelt social media post, Arenas shared his mixed emotions about leaving the grand prix paddock without achieving his dream of racing in MotoGP. Yet, he emphasized that this transition isn’t a step back but a bold leap forward. And this is the part most people miss: Arenas sees this move as a golden opportunity to rebuild his racing legacy and return to the winner’s circle. “I’m thrilled to join Yamaha and the AS Racing team,” he said. “This is a fresh challenge in a new championship, and I’m eager to grow as a rider and prove my competitiveness.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: While some fans applaud Arenas’s decision as a strategic career move, others question whether leaving MotoGP for World Supersport is a sideways step. Is this a calculated risk or a missed opportunity? Arenas, however, seems undeterred, highlighting his motivation and trust in Yamaha’s support. “Being part of an official team with Yamaha’s backing is incredibly motivating,” he added. “I’m confident in the project’s potential and excited for this new chapter.”
Currently racing in Moto2 with the Gresini squad, Arenas has shown his mettle with a podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix. With one round left in the season, he sits ninth in the standings after an eighth-place finish in Portugal. Meanwhile, the racing world is abuzz with news of AS Racing’s partnership with Yamaha, which comes on the heels of Evans Bros’ unexpected split with the Japanese manufacturer in favor of Chinese brand ZXMoto. What does this shifting landscape mean for the future of World Supersport?
As Arenas embarks on this new adventure, one thing is clear: his passion for racing burns brighter than ever. But the question remains: Can he dominate in World Supersport as he once did in Moto3? Only time will tell. What’s your take? Is Arenas making the right move, or should he have stayed the course in MotoGP? Let us know in the comments below!
