Winning a World Championship is always complicated, but doing so in an environment as technological as that of WSBK and the SSP300 category is even more so, raising the stakes if you also have to fight against established titans in the industry and in competition.
That is why Fernández’s victory in SSP300 is special for several reasons. The Basque has achieved the last title in the category, which in 2026 will change the regulations to be called World Sportbike. The second reason is that Beñat debuted this season in the championship and won it in his “rookie” year. And the third because he did it at the controls of a Kove 321 RR-S, thus achieving at the same time the first title for a Chinese brand in the category.
Three milestones that separately have their importance, but together they are a clear example of Kove’s commitment to enter the European market following the most classic standards, and also banishing the myths that surround brands of Chinese origin that are increasingly more competitive in all areas, including the track.
Beñat Fernández and Kove will go down in history as the last WSSP300 champions
In what has been the second season of the 321 RR-S, the Spanish rider and the Chinese motorcycle have achieved spectacular consistency. With a total of 8 weekends and two races for each of the events, Fernández has been able to get on the podium a total of 10 times, also taking victories in the second race in Portimao, the opening event, the second race in Misano and also the second in Jerez that closed the season. In total he managed to take the lead in five races, posting five fastest laps and one pole.
These are very consistent numbers in a category as close and complicated as SSP300, and it still gives greater benefit to the role played by both the rider and the bike. As it could not be otherwise, Fernández, who has the support of Motos Bordoy, the importer for Spain of Kove, was exultant with the title:
“It has been an incredible season. I am still assimilating what we have achieved. Thanks to KOVE, Motos Bordoy and the entire team for trusting me and giving me such a competitive bike. This title is for them and for my family, who has supported me from day one.”
In the Basque’s success there is also important support, that of former World Cup player Efrén Vázquez, who supports the new champion: “In sport, sometimes circumstances arise that can overshadow the real merit of the drivers. Beñat has known how to stay out of all that, resist pressure and focus solely on the track. The important thing is not to win because others fail, but to do so with one’s own talent, work and merit.”
