Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) has been crowned Champion in the 2025 FIM Supersport World Championship. An impressive mix of race pace and consistency propelled the #62 to his first world title on the Yamaha R9 machine as he kept racking up the wins and podiums throughout the season. It’s been a remarkable journey for Manzi in WorldSSP, who’s gone from super sub to World Champion in just a few seasons.

THE START OF THE JOURNEY: a one-off 2021 appearance helps land full-time seat

26-year-old Manzi got his first taste of WorldSSP back in 2021, at Jerez, and was immediately on the pace as a top-ten finisher. While his Moto2 career was just winding down after five seasons between 2017 and 2021, where he claimed one pole, a new chapter was beginning for the Italian. He joined the Dynavolt Triumph squad in 2022 as they returned to WorldSSP and claimed their first win in the Championship in Race 1 at Portimao in the same year. Sixth in the Championship, with two other podiums, was a solid rookie season for the #62 before he moved to join the historic Ten Kate Racing outfit in 2023.

TWICE RUNNER-UP: the Championship charges begin

On the Yamaha R6 machine, Manzi proved to be a consistent performer across each weekend’s two races, racking up an impressive 17 rostrums in 24 races in 2023 as he finished behind Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) in the Championship standings. More consistency followed the following year as he took 19 rostrums in 24 races, this time falling short of Adrian Huertas after a three-rider scrap for the title between Manzi, Huertas and Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team). Across those two seasons, the Yamaha rider won nine races but fell agonisingly short of the title.

A NEW BIKE AS MANZI’S CONSISTENCY PAYS OFF: rarely off the podium

After falling just short of titles in 2023 and 2024, Manzi had a new challenge: adapting to the Yamaha R9. It ushered in a new era for the Japanese manufacturer and, after winning the last race with the R6 at Jerez in 2024, Manzi took the R9 to the top step in its first race; setting the tone for the season ahead. He started the season with eight consecutive podiums, including three wins, before a tricky period at Most, Misano, and Donington brought in a bit of inconsistency to his results. However, four wins in a row at Balaton Park and Magny-Cours helped keep Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) at bay as he wrapped up the title in style.

FUTURE SECURED: WorldSBK awaits the Italian

It was announced that Manzi would get a WorldSBK seat for 2026, joining the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team alongside Remy Gardner. He’s the latest rider Yamaha has promoted after claiming the WorldSSP crown after Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) and Dominique Aegerter since the turn of the decade, and Manzi will hope to follow in their footsteps by taking podiums in his rookie campaign. After so much success in WorldSSP, including being in the top five for wins and podiums in the Championship’s history, Manzi will already be looking forward to his new challenge in 2026 – especially now the 2025 crown is secured.

MANZI'S SEASON IN STATS

Wins: 10

Podiums: 18

Poles: 1

Fastest laps: 4

Races led: 18

Laps led: 112

Congratulate Manzi on his title win on social media using the hashtag #Manz1 and watch the final WorldSSP races of 2025 using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99!