Riichi Takahira made history at Circuito Estoril today, becoming the first Japanese rider to be crowned FIM Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup Champion after a dramatic season finale.
Just four points separated Takahira from title rival Xarly Mendez (Dominican Republic) heading into the finale. Saturday’s winner, Aymon Bocanegra (Brazil), also remained in contention if both leading riders failed to finish.
Mendez had led the championship for much of the season before Takahira took the lead at the previous round in Cremona. After finishing sixth on Saturday, Mendez began the final race four points adrift of his rival. However, his title hopes ended three laps in when he crashed at Turn 7. He rejoined and completed the race, but finished outside the points.
Takahira’s debut season began modestly at Balaton Park, where he recorded two seventh-place finishes. He soon reached the podium, finishing second in Round 2 at Aragón, before igniting his title challenge with a commanding double victory at Magny-Cours in Round 4. Another win at Cremona moved him into the championship lead ahead of the final round. Fourth place in Race 1 and seventh in Race 2 at Estoril were enough to secure the 2026 FIM Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup title. Attention now turns to securing him a Yamaha-supported place in the 2027 FIM Sportbike World Championship.
Despite the crash, Mendez retained second place in the championship, while Brazil’s Aymon Bocanegra moved into third overall after adding a third-place finish to Saturday’s victory.
Chris Clark (USA) won the final race of the season, with Emanuele Pastore (Italy) finishing second.
Riichi Takahira - 2026 FIM Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup Champion said: “I am so happy to win the championship. The race was very crazy, so I tried my best to get the best result possible. It has been an incredible season. Thank you to all of my family and everyone who has supported me.”