The Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing team is ready to begin the new season of the FIM Supersport World Championship. Can Oncu and Yuki Okamoto completed their final test days on Monday and Tuesday at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, where the opening race weekend of 2026 will take place.

After an exciting 2025 season, in which Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing secured their twelfth World Supersport title and thirteenth world title overall, the Nieuwleusen-based team enters the new year with full focus and fresh motivation. With Turkish vice world champion Can Öncü, Japanese rider Yuki Okamoto and the proven Yamaha R9, all the ingredients are once again in place for a successful campaign.

Following pre-season tests in January at Portimão, Jerez and Andalucía, the team traditionally travelled to Australia in mid-February. After two positive test days at the legendary Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the first race weekend of 2026 will be held at the same venue this coming weekend.

Can Öncü:
“The test was very good for us. We tried many different options and we improved ourselves a lot. I am so happy about the test and Ii am looking forward to the first race weekend now with a lot of confidence. After a busy week of travelling and testing we have a short break, but after that we start the race weekend. We are ready for the first race of the year.”

Yuki Okamoto:
“The test was a bit difficult for me, but in the end I made a good step. I managed to learn a lot, especially about the track because I didn’t do many laps last year. I am happy it all went well and I made an improvement on Tuesday compared to Monday. We need to continue improving throughout the weekend and I will remain focused on the first race of the year here in Phillip Island.”

Kervin Bos – Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing team manager:
“The team is ready for the start of the new season this coming Friday. We had successful winter tests in Spain and with both riders we were able to complete two strong days at Phillip Island as well. As usual, our main focus is on race pace and preparing for the race itself, because that’s ultimately where the points are scored. I believe both Can and Yuki are in excellent shape, and I can’t wait to get started on Friday with the first practice session and qualifying.”

The opening round of the 2026 season will take place from 20–22 February at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. After a Free Practice session and Superpole on Friday, Race 1 will start on Saturday at 14:30 local time (04:30 Central European Time). Race 2 is scheduled for Sunday at the same time: 14:30 local time (04:30 CET).