The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship burst back into action at Misano and duly delivered a fantastic event, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) securing a hat-trick for BMW. Next up for the Championship is Donington Park, a return to where it all began, and a venue that’s provided plenty of drama over the years. So, here’s 10 reasons why you can’t miss attending the Prosecco DOC UK Round; buy your tickets HERE.
THE TITLE BATTLE HEATS UP: Razgatlioglu surges past Bautista…
Razgatlioglu’s Misano masterclass means he heads into Donington – a circuit he calls his favourite – 21 points clear of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in the standings, with his teammate Alvaro Bautista in third. There’s plenty to look forward to in the UK and the title fight will continue at a circuit that always delivers.
A CIRCUIT WHERE RIDERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE: a new order to come?
Donington provides plenty of challenges for teams and riders thanks to its intricate details and technical layout. Experience can make a difference, so maybe there’s a chance for more riders to be at the front. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) will be hoping to claim a first Yamaha podium, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed a maiden WorldSBK rostrum in 2023 and heads into the round on the back of a stunning performance at Misano.
THE WOMEN DELIVER IN A BIG WAY: Catch the WorldWCR in action!
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship made history at Misano and delivered some epic action worthy of the occasion. With last-lap drama and overtakes aplenty, do not miss the second instalment of this phenomenal Championship!
RACING CALENDAR ROYALTY: Do not miss Donington!
It’s very rare to find a racetrack that has nearly unanimous approval from an entire grid, but Donington Park (and the UK Round as a whole) has long been the favourite of many riders in the WorldSBK paddock. Championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu called it his “favourite” track, whilst title rival Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) said he has “great memories” of the circuit.
RELIEF FOR REA? Ulsterman’s struggles could end at Donington Park…
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) has endured a torrid start to his season with the Iwata manufacturer, and those struggles continued at Misano. However, Donington Park is famously a fortuitous track for Rea, with success at the track as recent as last season. With the development of the R1 continuing, could a return to Donington be the spark that ignites Rea’s campaign?
PADDOCK SHOW AND ENTERTAINMENT
As ever, the WorldSBK Paddock Show will feature at Donington Park, and it’s your chance to be at the heart of so many moments. Podium celebrations are the highlight, but there’s so much more: meet and greet sessions, interactive activities and games also take place there between the track action.
KAWASAKI CONTINUE TO CHARGE
Kawasaki were one of the quiet, albeit very impressive stories of the weekend at Misano. Both Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who both signed contract extensions with the team over the weekend, showed very real progress and development onboard the ZX-10 RR. Lowes finished both Race 1 and Race 2 inside the top five, whilst Axel Bassani showed strong improvements across the weekend. Watch for the Japanese giants to continue to push.
PETRUCCI TO PUSH ON? Comeback story continues…
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was one of the feel-good stories of the Misano weekend, as he continues his comeback from a brutal Motocross injury prior the Assen round. Petrucci not only saw out all of the weekend action, but he actually improved from P9 in Race 1 to P6 in Race 2. It will be interesting to see if Petrucci can continue his miraculous comeback story in the Midlands next month…
LECUONA MAKING GAINS?
Team HRC have struggled for success this season, with both Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge finding it difficult to find progress this season. However, Lecuona appeared to show big jumps during the weekend at Misano, finishing inside the top ten in both Race 1 and Race 2. Can Team HRC find another step when the Championship moves to Donington?
WORLDSSP DELIVERING IN SPADES
The FIM Supersport World Championship has continued to deliver breath-taking action from the opening round up until this point. Round 4 at Misano was no different, with Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) putting on clinic after clinic during all the racing action. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continues to keep the pressure on the young Spaniard, and will be hoping to one-up his Ducati rival in the UK.
DON’T MISS OUT: get your tickets for the UK Round HERE!
Source: WorldSBK.com