It’s a good thing Jean Kento Turner doesn’t mind flying.
The 16-year-old schoolboy from Osaka is racking up air miles in 2025, with at least 10 return trips planned between Japan and Europe as he competes in three top-tier race series: the Suzuka Stock 600 Championship in Japan, the FIM Yamaha Blu Cru R3 World Cup, and Italy’s CIV Moto3 Championship with Team POS Corse.
Born in Hiroshima and the middle of three siblings, Jean holds dual nationality thanks to his New Zealand-born father, Simon Turner — a name some Kiwi race fans may remember from his racing days in the 1980s and ‘90s.
Now nicknamed the “Jean Machine,” the young rider is quickly earning a name for himself on the international stage, combining raw speed, adaptability, and a relentless work ethic.
Three Championships, One Goal
Despite his youth, Jean has already notched up serious results in three different racing disciplines this season — all while attending school full-time in Japan.
“He’s right at the crossover stage now,” says father Simon. “Too tall for Talent Cup bikes, too young for Moto2 — so 2025 is about learning across categories and building his skills.”
In the CIV Moto3 series, Jean’s Yamaha 450cc machine gives him slightly more space than traditional Moto3 bikes — and could be a stepping stone toward a bigger future in World Supersport or Moto2.
Meanwhile, in April, Jean made his full-size circuit debut at Suzuka aboard a Honda 600. Racing under the guidance of former HRC rider, tester and Suzuka Eight-Hour pole-sitter Shinya Takeishi, Jean finished second on debut — and then followed up with a win in round two, setting the fastest lap in both events.
“From the first test I could see his natural speed and adaptability,” Takeishi says. “He gives precise feedback and immediately applies it, even mid-race. It’s rare to find a rider with those instincts.”
World Podium on Yamaha Debut
Over in Europe, Jean is also turning heads in the Yamaha R3 World Cup, despite never having ridden an R3 before the first round at Portimão. He quickly adapted, and by the second round at Misano in June, he scored a second-place finish — the first European World Series podium for a member of the Turner family since his uncle Keith 54 years ago.
Jean now sits 7th overall in the championship, with four rounds (eight races) still to come.
The Long Road to Europe
Jean’s journey to the world stage began in Japan’s pocket bike scene before stepping up to 100cc minibikes and flat track racing. At 13, he joined the Italian Premoto3 Championship, before earning a ride in the ultra-competitive 2023 Spanish ESBK series with the backing of Miguel Oliveira’s father, Paulo.
Despite growing pains — both literally and figuratively — Jean showed consistent progress. By late 2023, he was regularly fighting at the front. But a growth spurt and injury meant 2024 was spent re-evaluating the next move.
“We were originally planning the Asia-Pacific R3 Series,” Jean explains. “But Yamaha Japan stepped in during the application and offered me a place in the World Series. It was a big leap — but the right one.”
Family-Funded Future
Jean’s campaign is currently self-funded, with the Turner family footing the bill for his four years of racing across Europe.
“It’s a huge commitment,” says Simon, who runs an inkjet technology supply company in Osaka. “But Jean’s Misano podium has opened some doors.”
For 2026, all options remain open. Offers are already on the table for Jean in FIM JuniorGP Moto3 and Moto2, but funding will be the key factor.
And as for a New Zealand debut?
“Never say never,” Jean says with a grin. “If a good summer ride came up back home, I’d be keen.”
No matter where he races, Jean proudly flies the Kiwi flag — literally — with a custom Starline-designed helmet featuring the Southern Cross and silver ferns, just like the MotoGP stars he’s chasing.
Words: Peter Donaldson
