2025 FIM Supersport World Championship runner-up Can Öncü will line up on the grid in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship at Thruxton as he stands in for the injured Ben Currie at the seventh round of the season.
The Turkish rider brings world-class experience to the fastest circuit in the United Kingdom – boasting a record of seven victories and 36 podium finishes in the ultra-competitive Supersport World Championship. He currently sits fourth in the 2026 WorldSSP standings with the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate team, producing four pole positions and six podium finishes this season alone.
The 23-year-old spent his early career in the Grand Prix paddock, winning the prestigious Red Bull Rookies Cup title in 2018. At the end of that season, a wildcard entry into the Moto3 World Championship at Valencia would see him become the youngest ever Grand Prix race winner at just 15 years and 115 days old – a performance that would earn him a full-time ride in the series for the following year.
The youngster joined the World Supersport Championship in 2020, and over recent years, has established himself as a clear front-runner and title contender. In 2025, he went elbow to elbow with eventual champion Stefano Manzi concluding his most successful year in the category as runner-up.
The super-fast and abrasive Thruxton circuit is unique in its nature, and having not ridden there before, Öncü will get his first laps of the Hampshire venue and the British Supersport-spec R9 in free practice next Friday.
Öncü said: “I’m really excited to be joining the British Supersport Championship with McAMS Yamaha at Thruxton next weekend. Stepping in to replace an injured rider is never the ideal circumstance, but I’m grateful for the opportunity and would like to wish Ben [Currie] all the best with his recovery.
“I’ll be aiming to get up to speed as quickly as possible, push to the limit, fly the flag for Yamaha and deliver my best performance throughout the weekend. It’s going to be a great experience, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Steve Rodgers, Team Principal commented: “Our initial conversations with Can about joining us at Thruxton next weekend were really positive. He’s enthusiastic about the opportunity, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the garage for the weekend.
“Can brings a wealth of experience to the team, and we know he’ll be looking to make the most of every session. Of the UK circuits, Thruxton is probably one of the easier tracks to learn, but it’s also quite tricky in the same sense as it’s so fast!
“Having him in the garage will also be valuable from a development perspective. His feedback and experience will be important as we continue to move the package forward, while working closely alongside Harry [Truelove] throughout the weekend. Thanks to Yamaha Motor Europe and Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing for allowing him to come over!”