Supersport Glory Marks a Career Peak Before His 2026 WorldSBK Promotion
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) has finally reached the summit of the FIM Supersport World Championship, sealing the 2025 title with two races to spare. Riding the new Yamaha R9, the Italian delivered a season of sheer dominance — a campaign defined by speed, consistency, and resilience.
After finishing runner-up in both 2023 and 2024, Manzi’s long-awaited triumph brings closure to years of persistence. His 2025 campaign has been one of total control: 10 victories, 18 podiums, and a display of maturity that set him apart from his rivals. For Manzi, it’s more than a title — it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream.
Manzi Reflects on His Hard-Fought Journey
“It feels amazing to be World Champion,” Manzi said, visibly emotional after the race. “It’s hard to put into words what this means. After finishing second twice, to finally win is incredible. When you start racing as a kid, you dream about this moment. To actually achieve it — it’s beyond words.”
Manzi also pointed to the turning point of his season — a pair of costly crashes at Most and Misano — as the moment that reshaped his mindset.
“That was a wake-up call,” he admitted. “It reminded me that no one is unbeatable and that focus is everything. From that point, I worked harder than ever, learned from the mistakes, and stayed calm under pressure. Now I can finally say I made it — and it’s the best feeling of my life.”
Team Triumph: A Three-Year Vision Realized
Team Manager Kervin Bos was equally proud, describing Manzi’s success as the result of a carefully built three-year project that combined technical evolution and personal growth.
“To win the championship in our third year together is something truly special,” Bos said. “Stefano handled the pressure like a real champion — he left it all behind at the hotel and went out to win. From day one this season, we could see he had taken a big step forward.”
Bos praised not just Manzi’s raw speed, but his growing maturity as a racer and professional.
“He came to us already fast, but not yet complete. The difference this year was his consistency, his mindset, and his ability to manage a season. He’s evolved in every area — technically, mentally, and personally. Now, he’s the full package and ready for Superbike.”
From Moto3 to Supersport Glory
Manzi’s rise has been anything but overnight. His journey began in Italy’s national racing scene before he made his Grand Prix debut in Moto3 in 2015. Two years later, he stepped up to Moto2, where he earned a pole position and a memorable fourth-place finish — flashes of the talent that would later define him.
In 2022, he made the switch to WorldSSP with Dynavolt Triumph, claiming his maiden win at Portimão. A year later, his move to Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing transformed him into a regular podium contender. And in 2025, that journey reached its peak — with the No. 62 Yamaha rider finally crowned World Champion after years of near misses.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Awaits
Now, with the Supersport crown secured, Manzi’s attention turns to a new challenge. The 26-year-old will make the step up to the premier class next season with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, joining the elite ranks of the World Superbike grid.
For both Manzi and Yamaha, the move represents not just a promotion, but the next logical step in a story of growth, perseverance, and belief. After years of chasing the dream, Stefano Manzi stands as the newest Supersport World Champion — and a rider poised to make his mark among the world’s best.
CAREER STATS
First Race: Jerez ’21
Wins:
Podium places:
Pole positions:
Title: 1 (WorldSSP)
RIDER PROFILE
Place of birth: Rimini, Italy
Age: 26
Team: Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing
Bike: Yamaha R9
Images: WorldSBK
