Official: Yamaha and SSP World Champion Albert Arenas are parting ways

For regular readers of SPEEDWEEK.com, the split between Yamaha and Albert Arenas comes as no surprise. Whilst the Spaniard, as Supersport World Champion, was aiming to move up to the top category of the production-based World Championship, the brand with the crossed tuning forks in its logo was unable to offer the 29-year-old a place in a Superbike team – MotoGP rider Jack Miller was given preference.

For the former Moto2 rider, the Supersport World Championship was merely a stepping stone, and he hinted early on in an interview with this magazine that his partnership with Yamaha would end after the 2026 season. “He comes from MotoGP and is very experienced; they chose him over me. I accept that, but I’m sad,” said Arenas ahead of the season finale. “I’m very grateful for what Yamaha has done for me. But I can’t continue with them.”

Team principal Niccolo Canepa has now officially confirmed the split. “We regret that Albert Arenas is leaving Yamaha after a remarkable season, but we understand his desire to move up to the Superbike category – and unfortunately we were unable to offer him this for 2027,” said the Italian. “He has impressed us greatly in 2026 with his consistency, his determination and his professionalism, as well as with how quickly he has adapted to a new bike, a new team and a new championship. We thank him for everything we have achieved together this season and wish him all the best for the future.”

It goes without saying that a talented and, moreover, very astute rider like Arenas is of interest to other manufacturers and teams. Whilst Yamaha has already signed Jeremy Alcoba as its new figurehead in the Supersport World Championship, Arenas is set to move to the Ducati Go Eleven team in the 2027 Superbike World Championship.