Albert Arenas claimed victory in Race 1 of the FIM Supersport World Championship at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia after a hard-fought battle. He had to overcome Can Oncu in the first half of the race before a hard-charging and in-form Jeremy Alcoba brought himself into contention with his customary late-race pace, although 2026 Champion Arenas was able to hold on.
Arenas led the Tissot Superpole session, securing his third pole of the year, and his first since Aragon in May. He posted a 1’41.084s to beat Jorge Navarro to P1 on the Race 1 grid, with Oncu completing the front row. Arenas led for all but one lap throughout the 17-lap race, but that doesn’t tell the full story of the race. It took until Lap 12 for the Spanish rider to be more than half-a-second clear of Oncu, who was now falling into the clutches of Alcoba.
On Lap 15, Alcoba got ahead of Oncu and trailed Arenas by 1.358s. A lap later and that gap had come down to 0.778s and it looked like the #52 could catch up to Arenas out in front. However, the race leader responded: on Lap 16, he set a 1’43.059s, and on Lap 17, he set a 1’42.742s to ensure Alcoba remained 0.533s down on him when they crossed the line. It meant Arenas claimed his fourth win of the season, and his first since Misano in June.
Reflecting on his win and his battle with Oncu, Arenas said: “It was a great race for us. I felt super strong since the first laps this weekend. We managed the pace perfectly. I’m happy for my team and my people. It’s really special to win here at Jerez, with the crowd. Being able to stand on the podium in front of a home crowd is very nice. I was trying to keep my focus and ride well every lap. I was managing the rear tyre very well. I knew I had something else to try to put a bit more, but it wasn’t necessary. I just kept the same pace. I had to manage the front a little bit. I think we had a bit more in the second half of the race. I’m really proud of everyone and happy to be back on the top step.”
Arenas was unable to make it a home double on Sunday. He was leading Race 2 when Tom Booth-Amos had two big moments under braking and clattered into the #75, sending him flying into the gravel. Arenas was taken to the medical centre for a check following the incident and he was diagnosed with multiple contusions. Booth-Amos was handed a Long Lap Penalty in the next race he competes in for irresponsible riding.
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