Grand Prix veteran Efren Vazquez, who retired from full-time racing nearly ten years ago, still contributed significantly to the 2025 WorldSSP300 Championship. The title was clinched by 17-year-old Benato Fernandes aboard a Kobe motorcycle, marking the first world championship for both Kobe and China. While David Alonso won the 2024 Moto3 title riding a CFMoto (essentially a rebranded KTM), the Kobe 321RR was uniquely designed and built by Kobe. Fernandes, a young Spaniard from the Basque region—like the two-time Moto3 winner Vazquez—credited Vazquez with playing a “super important” role in his championship success.
Fernandes revealed that Vazquez taught him crucial lessons in discipline, perseverance, calmness, and maintaining a consistent routine, which he described as keys to his victory. Fernandes’ speed surprised even himself during his rookie season, where he immediately showed promise by securing pole position and winning Race 2 at the season opener in Portimao. His goal was always to give 100% in every race, but winning on his debut was beyond his expectations.
Fernandes joined Team 109 in 2025, which was in its first year running Kobe bikes after previously using Kawasaki machines. Despite limited factory support and being a single-rider team focused solely on Fernandes, the team principal, Paul Tobin, initially didn’t see this combination as a championship frontrunner. However, from Fernandes’ strong start and consistent performance, Tobin acknowledged that the momentum built throughout the season was incredible. Tobin described winning the championship at the final race in Jerez as a surreal moment, recognizing Fernandes’ brilliant skill, especially in the final corner, as key to this thrilling conclusion.
Fan Take: This story is a testament to how determination and mentorship can shape future champions in motorsport. Fernandes’ breakthrough signals an exciting new era for young talent and emerging manufacturers like Kobe, promising fresh competition and innovation in racing.
