ROUND 4 – MOTEGI: JAPANESE HOME HEROES LIGHT UP THE PODIUM

The Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship 2026 delivered another unforgettable weekend of racing as the championship returned to Japan for Round 4 at Mobility Resort Motegi on September 4–6, 2026.

The Motegi weekend began with a special moment for the entire BLU CRU family. Before the racing action started, riders, teams, crew, and members of the R3 APAC family came together to remember Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill, who sadly passed away the previous weekend. The paddock gathered to share memories and honor Farres, remembering him not only as a talented rider but also as an important part of the racing family. His presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the opportunity to race alongside him and share the journey with him.

With Farres in their thoughts, the riders headed onto the legendary Motegi circuit to begin another crucial round of the championship. In the opening session, championship leader Hunter Corney made a strong start, setting the fastest lap in Practice 1 as he continued to build his pace around the challenging Japanese circuit.

However, the conditions changed on Day 2 as rain arrived at Motegi, adding another layer of difficulty for the riders. The wet track created an opportunity for the Japanese Wild Card riders, Taishi Katada and Kunimitsu Homma, to demonstrate their speed and experience on home soil. Both riders immediately showed impressive pace in the wet conditions and carried that momentum into qualifying, putting themselves among the leading contenders for the races. Championship leader Hunter Corney also remained firmly in the fight for the front positions and valuable championship points.

When the lights went out for Race 1, the rain created a dramatic battle at the front. Katada and Homma fought aggressively throughout the race, exchanging positions and pushing each other through the challenging conditions. The battle remained close until the final stages, when Homma made the decisive move and crossed the chequered flag first to claim a memorable victory at his home circuit.

Race 2 brought even more excitement as Katada was determined to fight back. Once again, he found himself locked in a fierce battle with fellow Japanese rider Homma. The two riders continued to challenge each other throughout the race, but Katada found the crucial opportunity to make his move and take control. Despite the pressure until the final stages, he kept his composure and crossed the finish line first to secure victory in Race 2 and complete a memorable weekend for the Japanese Wild Card riders.

While the Japanese riders dominated the headlines at Motegi, the championship battle remained firmly in focus. Australia’s Hunter Corney and Thailand’s Teeranai Tubtim continued to lead the championship standings, with just 23 points separating the two riders as the championship moves towards its final two rounds in Thailand. With every point becoming increasingly important, the battle for the 2026 championship is now reaching its most crucial stage.

Round 4 also brought an exciting opportunity for the championship’s top two riders. Hunter Corney and Teeranai Tubtim will have the chance to represent the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship as Wild Card riders in the Yamaha R3 World Cup at Estoril, Portugal, on October 10–11, 2026. Before taking on the world stage, both riders will return to Thailand to contest the final two rounds of the R3 APAC Championship, where the fight for the 2026 title will be decided.

The road to the championship continues