With the Cremona Circuit set to make its MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship debut later this year, a couple of riders took advantage of a track day to get to know the recently renovated circuit. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) hit the Italian venue on their road version of the Panigale V4 to prepare for this week’s test at the same venue.
The pair were able to get plenty of laps under their belt with rookie Bulega and five-time race winner Rinaldi utilising the street bike to understand Cremona’s intricacies following recent work on the circuit, which included lengthening it. With mileage under their belt at the Italian venue, both were able to give their first thoughts on the track ahead of the WorldSBK test later this week, which will mark the first track action for the Championship at the circuit.
Explaining why he opted to use a track day at the circuit ahead of the test, reigning World Supersport Champion Bulega said: “This is the standard bike and there’s a big difference to my race bike. I like the track. It’s a very technical circuit, you have to be very precise. It’s a good layout. I hope to be competitive everywhere, not only at Cremona! I came here just to learn the track with the standard bike. We’ll come here with the official bike, so I wanted to have a day of testing, go on the track and when I already know the bike with the official bike.”
Although Rinaldi has some experience of the venue, it came almost a decade ago and before the improvements were made. He explained that this is one reason why he came to the circuit to do a track day alongside fellow Ducati rider Bulega, as he adapted to the revised layout. He also gave his first impressions of the circuit, believing it’ll be “different” for WorldSBK.
Five-time race winner Rinaldi said: “The track has changed. I was here about eight years ago and they’ve made some improvements. It’s not such a fast track so it’s important for us to have a good test because the base setup for everybody needs to be adjusted. It’ll be something different for the Championship.”
We review the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, which offer improved stability, handling, braking distances, and mileage versus the S22. (Photos courtesy Bridgestone)
When choosing a motorcycle tire, what do you look for? The answer varies from person to person. For my street riding, I prioritize longevity, grip, and price. Due to its versatility and reliability, Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires have been my trusted companion on the streets, during spirited canyon rides, and even on the racetrack. Given my extensive experience with the S22, I was excited to try the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires have updated compounds and a new tread pattern (front tire on left, rear tire on right).
Building on the solid foundation of the S22, Bridgestone’s goals in developing the S23 were “improved handling precision, maximum stability, and incredible grip, even in wet conditions” as well as better mileage. The S23 tires maintain the same shape and MS-Belt construction as the S22 but feature new compounds and a new tread pattern.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires on the Buell Hammerhead 1190
The updated compounds offer increased grip thanks to additional carbon and a newly developed “grip improver” that makes it easier for the tire to follow the road surface. The front shoulder and rear edge of the S23 also has optimized resin components for better grip at high lean angles.
Compared to the S22, the new tread pattern has a higher land-sea ratio (more rubber, fewer grooves) and higher pattern stiffness, contributing to improved handling, dry/wet traction, and feedback. Bridgestone’s proprietary Pulse Groove technology was added to the rear tire, improving water drainage and grip in wet conditions.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires use the same shape and MS-Belt construction as the S22, but with a new tread pattern and different compounds.
Bridgestone’s testing has shown faster dry and wet lap times, shorter braking distances, and improved mileage for the S23 compared to the S22.
For a real-world test of the new Hypersport S23s, Bridgestone hosted a press launch in Encinitas, California. There was a variety of sporty motorcycles on hand, allowing me to evaluate the tires on several motorcycles, including the Suzuki GSX-S1000, Indian FTR1200, and Buell Hammerhead 1190.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires on the Suzuki GSX-S1000
Starting our ride on city streets and backroads aboard the S23-shod Suzuki, a sense of familiarity washed over me. The transition from the S22 to its successor felt seamless, like greeting an old friend. As we navigated the initial turns, the inherent stability afforded by the S23 became immediately evident, instilling confidence in every lean and maneuver.
On our way to lunch in the mountain town of Julian, I put the S23s through their paces, eager to gauge their responsiveness and grip. Despite my deliberate attempts to upset the tires, they maintained their hold on the road surface. Even when I pushed the limits, accelerating out of corners a little too fast, the S23s exhibited reassuring grip even as the TC light flashed, indicating some rear wheel slip.
The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 rear tire features Pulse Groove technology for better water dispersion.
After lunch, we descended from the mountains to the desert on the tightly winding roads of Banner Grade (CA Route 78), a perfect playground to test the tires’ responsiveness in the sort of twisties where most riders will put them to use. Negotiating each curve, I found my confidence bolstered by the stability and predictability of the S23s.
The ultimate test awaited us as Keith Culver, an instructor from Yamaha Champions Riding School, led our group down Engineers Road, a narrow, unpainted byway full of abrupt transitions and tight technical corners. Despite the demanding terrain, I was impressed by the front tire’s ability to maintain grip under hard, downhill braking.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires on the Indian FTR1200
On the sunny day of our test, we didn’t have an opportunity to evaluate the wet handling characteristics of the S23s. Nor did we evaluate them on a racetrack. For what it’s worth, the Yamaha Champions Riding School runs S23s on its fleet of Yamaha sportbikes.
After a full day of thrashing three different bikes shod with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, I can confidently say that they exceed the excellent standards set by the S22s. They offer confident grip, reassuring stability, and outstanding handling on a variety of roads. The ZR17 tires are available in one front (120/70) and five rear (160/60, 180/55, 190/50, 190/55, and 200/55) sizes starting at $249.49.
The MV Agusta Enduro Veloce marks the Italian brand’s entrance into the adventure-touring market, competing against bikes like the Ducati Multistrada V2, Triumph Tiger 900, and BMW F 900 GS. The Enduro Veloce is powered by a 931cc inline-Triple that delivers 124 hp and 75.2 lb-ft of torque. It has 8.3 inches of wheel travel front and rear, 9 inches of ground clearance, a 34.3-inch seat height, and Brembo brakes, as well as a sophisticated electronics suite.
To test the Enduro Veloce, we traveled to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where we logged miles on the island’s best routes to get a taste of what the Enduro Veloce has to offer. By the end of the day, we were impressed with the bike’s nimble handling, engine performance, and artistry.
Each win carried significant importance: Chili’s last win of his career at Misano 2004, Walker’s only WorldSBK victory and Ryuichi Kiyonari’s first WorldSBK podium at Monza in 2008. 2013 at Monza in Race 2 would prove to be the final WorldSBK race there, whilst Nicky Hayden’s first and last victory at Sepang also proved to be Honda’s last win to-date, as well as the last race for Sepang in WorldSBK.
The KTM Adventure Rider Rally invites ADV riders of any brand to come to Deadwood, South Dakota, for four days of adventure riding and KTM motorcycle demos.
The rally is based out of The Lodge in Deadwood and will take place Oct. 10-13, 2024. Participants can expect rides featuring extensive double-track trails, red dirt/clay, rocky sections, snaking turns, mountain climbs, and valleys. Landmarks in the region include Devil’s Tower, Spearfish Canyon, the Black Hills, and more.
Routes include various loops suitable for different skill levels, so all adventure riders will be able to enjoy the event. Ride groups will consist of two to four riders of similar skill level. If you’re bringing your buddies, you can register to be placed in the same ride group.
The first day of the event, Oct. 10, is the demo day, on which participants can try out KTM models from the list below. The pre-event dinner on Thursday night is also included in the cost of registration.
The KTM 790 Adventure is one of many models that will be available for demo rides during the KTM Adventure Rider Rally event.
The next two days are ride days when participants will enjoy riding with their ride group. On Saturday, participants can recount the tales of their adventures during the included Awards Dinner. There will also be shorter rides and games on Sunday. Throughout the event, some KTM ambassadors and athletes will be present, including Marvin Musquin, Ryan Dungey, and Taylor Robert.
Registration is now open, but space is limited, so it’s recommended to register early. Registration includes an event t-shirt and hat, the pre-event dinner, breakfast from Friday to Sunday, and the Awards Dinner on Saturday. Registration costs $350, and there’s a “meals only” package for $175 for those traveling with participants. Visit the KTM website to register.
Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) was the standout performer at the Cremona Circuit during the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship test. Over two days, the #22 was the only rider to lap in the 1’41s bracket as she finished almost a second clear of her rivals, adapting to her new team, bike and re-adjusting to Pirelli tyres after several seasons in the Moto3™ paddock before their switch to the Italian brand.
The 2018 WorldSSP300 Champion’s best time was a 1’41.446s and it came in the final session, a 10-minute Warm Up session for everyone, on Day 2. She was seven tenths faster than Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) in second and another five tenths clear of Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) who completed the top three. It’s been a strong start for Carrasco on the Yamaha R7, and she reviewed her test, plus explained how important WorldWCR will be for women in motorsport.
The seven-time WorldSSP300 race winner said: “I’m really happy because we worked very well with the team. It was a new circuit for me, so we were working a lot in every corner, but I’m really happy like that. The level is quite high, so I expect a lot of battles from the first race. Yesterday was an important day for women in motorcycling. This Championship will be very important to help women grow in this world. I’m quite happy to be part of this Championship, I’ve been working and fighting a lot of years to have my place here, so it’s really important that Dorna created this Championship.”
The Murcia-born star competed in WorldSSP300 between 2017 and 2021, always on the Kawasaki Ninja 400 machine which she claimed the 2018 title on. However, Carrasco has also ridden World Supersport machinery and Moto3™ bikes and she was able to use her experience to adapt to the R7 machine that everyone will race this year. With the test in the bag and the Spaniard taking top spot, Carrasco also explained how she felt the 2024 season would play out.
She said: “There are some riders that were fast today, but I don’t know, we will see after the first race who is fighting for the victory. I expect something different, the level is quite high, so I think it will be a good Championship, it will be fun. I know I’m fast, and I know I have the experience to fight for the title, but you never know, you have to work every race, and always achieve good results, and at the end of the season, we will see who the favourite is. Misano is a track that I love, my last win in WorldSSP300 was there in 2021, so I’m looking forward to being back in Misano. There are always good races and good battles.”
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It was a strong FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship test for Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) after the Spaniard ended the test inside the top four, finding huge time as the day progressed. The Spaniard’s best time came in the sixth session om Friday after spending the day working with Andrew Pitt, who ventured down to the test for the second and final day to speak to Neila.
Running the #36 machine, Neila had a strong test at Cremona, finishing the second and final day in fourth overall after setting a 1’43.124s in the penultimate session of the day. The Spaniard was just over a second away from pacesetter Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team), who edged closer to the 1’41s after setting a 1’41.446s in the final session that Neila set her best time in. Her time in the second session – the first she went out in – was a 1’47.431s, with the Madrid-born rider finding more than four seconds as the day went on.
Neila had a key WorldSBK figure by her side on Friday, with Andrew Pitt – a two-time WorldSSP Champion and now crew chief to Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) – with the 22-year-old at Cremona. The Spanish star explained the benefits of having Pitt working with her, emphasising his knowledge was a massive help. Neila is the Pata Prometeon Yamaha’s rider in WorldWCR, and the link was proven by having Pitt at the test.
Explaining how she felt working with Pitt, Neila said: “Andrew is a really good person. He’s a man that knows everything about the bike! I love working with him because he knows everything so he’s amazing. I hope to have him with me in the whole season so I can work with him. I’m super happy working with him. It’s the first time working together and it’s amazing.”
Pitt also gave his view on working with Neila, saying: “The idea today was, because I’m not so far away, to come over on one of the two days. Today was the best day because of the weather. It was to meet her, say hello. We could see how they were doing, just get a basic picture of where the bike is and just sort of make sure that it’s kind of where it should be, and the gearing and tyres are right.”
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While the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship field were preparing for the start of their season, visitors from the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship were on hand to give their view about the new Championship. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) and Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) discussed their visit to the Cremona Circuit, with Rinaldi and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) on track with the street Ducati V4 at the Italian venue which is set to host WorldSBK action for the first time next week.
Locatelli came to Cremona to check in on the action but also to provide support to Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who will run under the same Pata Prometeon Yamaha banner than ‘Loka’ does in WorldSBK. The 16-time WorldSBK podium finisher explained why he was visiting and previewed the inaugural WorldWCR season which is set to kick off at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” next month.
Looking ahead to the season but also reviewing the test, Locatelli said: “Honestly, my visit is a little bit special. I was already close to Cremona, so I decided to come here, and it’s amazing. My focus and my target now are to win a race in World Superbike, but this Championship looks really interesting. To see the women on track and riding so fast is amazing. I also came to see Beatriz, because she’s supported by my team, so this is something good for us. I was close to Cremona, and my home, so I decided to come.
“I think this is only the first test and they can keep improving. I think the level of the competition with the R7 bike is quite high. In every race, we’ll see the improvement. It’s normal that when you start to ride a bike for the first time, you need to learn a lot of things, but when it’s coming easier, you can improve a lot and rider faster. I think we can say there’ll be a really good fight during the races.”
Locatelli was not the only Italian rider at the track, with Rinaldi dropping by along with fellow Ducati rider Bulega as they prepared for next week’s WorldSBK test at the Cremona venue with some laps on the road Ducati bike. The #21, who recently spoke about how difficult 2024 has been for him, explained how Friday at the circuit had been a good day for everyone.
The five-time race winner said: “It’s been a positive day for everyone. For us because we were training with the street bike and for the WorldWCR because I think it’s a good opportunity for them to try the bikes and the track and also to enjoy these days. It’s a beautiful day under the sun. Me and Nicolo are training to get ready for the test that’ll be in a week.”
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship test at the Cremona Circuit concluded on Friday afternoon with Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) leading the time sheets with a big margin over her rivals. The 2018 WorldSSP300 Champion posted the only 1’41s lap time of the test to finish seventh tenths clear of her rivals ahead of the Championship’s inaugural season starting next month at Misano.
TIMES TUMBLE ON DAY 2: finding huge gains…
Carrasco led the times at the end of Day 2, which featured a fully dry day after yesterday’s afternoon rain, but had to fight with Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) for top spot, with the pair pushing each other closer to the 1’41s. The #22 of Carrasco smashed that barrier with a 1’41.446s, which she set in the seventh and final session of the day, while Ponziani’s 1’42.121s came in the fifth session. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) was third and around half-a-second back from Carrasco. Times on Friday started in the 1’44s and 1’45s brackets but dropped rapidly during track action, with Carrasco finding more than four seconds as the day progressed.
The last morning session of the #WorldWCR test is in the history books!
NEILA STRONG, OURDENICKOVA QUICK AGAIN: an order starting to form?
With this test the first time riders were on track together for the WorldWCR, but at a circuit none of them had been on with the Yamaha R7, a pecking order might have started to form. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) improved consistently throughout the test to finish in fourth place, ahead of Adela Ourednickova (DafitMotoracing) in fifth. Just a tenth separated the Spaniard, who had Jonathan Rea’s (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) Crew Chief, Andrew Pitt working with her on Friday, and Ourednickova. Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport) was one of several riders who used the final 10-minute session to full effect, moving up the order to claim sixth with a 1’43.571s
FOUR RIDERS, TWO TENTHS: a closely fought season in store?
Relph’s late surge meant Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) was demoted out of the top six and finished in seventh, ahead of Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) who also climbed up the order. Running in 15th until the final session, the American was classified in eighth after setting a 1’43.881s in the final moments of the test. Lucy Michel (TSL-Racing) was ninth with Isis Carreno (AD78 FIM Latinoamerica by Team GP3), one of the few riders whose best times didn’t come in either of the final two sessions, finishing the day in 10th.
TOO CLOSE TO CALL: less than a second separate P11 and P15
Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) finished just outside the top ten with a 1’44.147s, finishing the second day in 11th place. She was just a tenth ahead of South Africa’s Nicole Van Aswegen (Andalaft Racing) in 12th, whose best time of 1’44.213s came in the penultimate session. Ran Yochay (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) was 13th, setting her best time in the final session, with Ornella Ongaro (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) and Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) completing the top 15.
JUST MISSING OUT: the barest of margins keep Madrigal out of the top 15
Just a tenth stopped Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) claiming a top-15 spot, with the Mexican rider’s 1’44.986s unable to move her into the top 15 places. She did, however, have a big margin to Lena Kemmer (Bertl K. Racing Team) in 17th, with the Austrian rider around half a second back from Madrigal. Luna Hirano (Team Luna) came home in 18th, two tenths back from Kemmer, with Iryna Nadieieva (MPS.RT) and Andrea Sibaja (Deza – Box 77 Racing Team) completing the top 20. Alyssia Whitmore (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team), Mia Rusthen (Rusthen Racing) and Sara Varon (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) were the final classified riders; Varon’s day ended early with the Colombian rider’s time – a 1’48.067s – coming in the third session of the day and she did not set any times in any later sessions.
Next up for WorldWCR… the season opener at Misano! Watch every moment LIVE and UNINTERRUPTED using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
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