No number carries as much weight in racing as the number one. It can be both a source of pride and a source of pressure, feelings which are amplified for first-time carriers. What goes through the mind of a rider who is, unequivocally, the one to beat?

“ONE: Into the mind of a racer” follows Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) through his first season as the reigning MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and opting to switch his usual #19 for that coveted number. Produced by Spectra Films in collaboration with Dorna WSBK Organization, filmmaker Paolo Novelli shows an unseen side of the Spanish rider’s 2023 season, recorded at multiple WorldSBK rounds as well as at several other locations, including his own home in Talavera de la Reina.

Featuring mostly never-seen-before footage and an exclusive interview with Bautista himself, “ONE” takes us through the highs and lows of a memorable campaign: the record-breaking start, the mistakes, the late doubts… We get an in-depth dive into several key moments of the 2023 season, from emotionally difficult races in Most and Aragon to a title-defining win in Portimao and Championship celebrations in front of his home crowd of Jerez.

Bautista also shows a personal side beyond WorldSBK weekends, with exclusive footage of the Ducati rider’s family life back home in Spain, as well as his strict training regime between rounds. The documentary presents us his life as a rider, but also as a father, husband, and son.

Novelli had previously directed, amongst other projects, “Andrea Dovizioso: Undaunted”, a much-lauded documentary following the Italian rider’s pursuit of the 2019 MotoGP™ title.

Watch “ONE: Into the mind of a racer” NOW on WorldSBK VideoPass and get ready for the 2024 WorldSBK season!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will be one to remember for lots of reasons, and one is Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) making his debut for Yamaha this year. After nine seasons of success with Kawasaki that couldn’t be matched by anyone, the Ulsterman opted for a new challenge when a vacant seat opened up at Yamaha this year. He’s looked comfortable on the YZF-R1 so far as he looks to bounce back into P1 and continue writing his WorldSBK legacy.

THE PRE-YAMAHA STORY: bursting onto the scene with Honda, unprecedented results with Kawasaki

Rea made his debut back in 2008 at Portimao and was instantly showing what he could do, securing a front row start alongside polesitter Troy Bayliss, 2009 WorldSSP Champion Cal Crutchlow, and two-time WorldSBK Champion Max Biaggi. P4 in Race 1 showed his talent, and from there he never looked back. 15 wins with Honda came before a switch to Kawasaki unleashed his talent. Six consecutive titles between 2015 and 2020, more than 100 wins and unrivalled levels of success led to one of the most successful partnerships not just in WorldSBK, but in motorsport as a whole. However, all good things come to an end and, after two tricky seasons in 2022 and 2023, Rea opted for a move to Yamaha for a new challenge in 2024.

THE BLUE CHAPTER: first time riding the YZF-R1

Rea made his Yamaha testing debut at Jerez right after the season ended and quickly adapted, setting rapid times as he found his feet. Another test before 2023 concluded continued this, and then there were two more tests at Jerez and Portimao in 2024. Plenty of time to adapt, and test new items, means the 37-year-old is in good stead for Australia as he looks to repeat what he did with Kawasaki back in 2015 and win on his debut with his new manufacturer. At EICMA, he also spoke about how his first bike was a Yamaha with the PW50, the family ties he has to Yamaha and much more.

WHAT RECORDS COULD HE BREAK? There’s more history for Rea to write…

It’s possible to think someone with the most WorldSBK starts, wins, titles and fastest laps has broken every record there is to break already, but actually there are a few his switch to Yamaha could bring him into contention for. Victory for Yamaha would make him the first rider to win with three different Japanese manufacturers after Honda and Kawasaki, while he’d join an exclusive club of riders who’ve won with three manufacturers. Stephane Mertens, Eugene Laverty, Anthony Gobert, Chaz Davies, Troy Corser and Marco Melandri are the only riders who have managed this feat. A win with Yamaha in Race 1 at Phillip Island would mean he’s won two debut races with different manufacturers, after taking victory in the same race in 2015 with Kawasaki. Of course, there’s also the seventh title aspect should he win the Championship this season, cementing his status as the greatest of all time in WorldSBK.

REA’S THOUGHTS ON YAMAHA SWITCH: “I’m enjoying it and I think the bike suits my style”

Speaking about his first season with Yamaha, Rea said: “I’m really excited. It’s always nice when you change colours just to breathe some different air. It’s been really cool. I’m really grateful to Yamaha for giving me the opportunity and making me feel so welcome. I’m enjoying the bike. I’m really enjoying the engine character of the R1. Working with the crew, a completely new crew for me, aside from my chief mechanic Uri and I knew Davide from a few years back. The Yamaha’s a very user friendly bike, I’m enjoying it and I think it suits my style. It can be ridden in so many ways. You see how Toprak rode the bike was super aggressive, then you can see how guys like Remy and Locatelli rode the bike; more wheels in line but still super-fast.”

A NEW ERA BEGINS: follow Rea’s maiden Yamaha campaign in style using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Rivalries are a huge part of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and that’s set to continue in 2024 with the start of some new battles. As rookies take to the track, line-ups change at a lot of the teams and established riders look for wins and podiums, we take a look at some of the new rivalries you could see in WorldSBK in 2024.

TOP IN TESTING: Bulega and Razgatlioglu to ignite?

Where better to start than the two riders who were quickest across the four 2024 test days? Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was quickest on both days at Jerez and the opening Portimao day, while Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) ended the Portuguese test on top. When ‘Bulegas’ was quickest, ‘El Turco’ wasn’t far behind and vice versa. Could this be the newest fight at the front in WorldSBK?

DUCATI TEAMMATES: Bulega ahead of Bautista so far…

One key story to emerge from testing was Bulega being quicker than teammate Alvaro Bautista. While they had different testing programmes, and Bautista is still nursing a neck injury although getting back to full fitness, the gap between them was a lot bigger than expected. With another couple of weeks recovery, you’d expect Bautista to be fighting at the front again when racing resumes in Australia. However, the potential is there for Bulega’s impressive start to life as a factory Ducati rider to continue and cause the double Champion a headache…

NEW YAMAHA PAIRING: Rea and Locatelli fight for honours

Like with Bulega and Bautista, a new line-up at the Pata Prometeon Yamaha squad could provide another rivalry to look forward to. With Jonathan Rea moving across to join Andrea Locatelli at the factory Yamaha team, an interesting dynamic is set to play out. Six-time Champion Rea will be looking for an unprecedented seventh title, while ‘Loka’ is going in search of a first race win. There’s also been a change in crew chiefs, with Andrew Pitt moving to Rea’s side of the box and Tom O’Kane linking up with Locatelli.

PETRUCCI AND IANNONE: will the friendship turn into a rivalry?

Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) has been turning heads since he first jumped on the Panigale V4 R at Jerez last year, and that’s been continuing in 2024. Fast at the Spanish venue and Portimao shortly after, ‘The Maniac’ looks well and truly ready for competition. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) comes into 2024 on the back of a stunning rookie campaign where he scored podiums and will look for a first win. Is there a possibility Iannone beats him to that first WorldSBK victory, and could they battle hard but share the rostrum together?

A NEW BONOVO BMW LINE-UP: can Redding get the better of Gerloff?

American star Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) ended 2023 as the BMW rider to beat. Pole at Magny-Cours was the highlight but the #31 also battled for the podium in the final third of the season and narrowly missed out on a rostrum visit. For 2024, he has a new teammate as Scott Redding joins from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Seemingly enjoying his new environment throughout testing and quick as well, the Bonovo Action BMW rivalry seems set to heat up in 2024.

BRITISH CHAMPIONS ON THE WORLD STAGE: Ray and Mackenzie’s friendly rivalry

They’ve raced each other on the domestic scene but for 2024, Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) are ready to battle it out on the world stage. Mackenzie is entering his first WorldSBK season while it’s Ray’s second, and both will be looking to get the better of each other. Perhaps nothing sums up their friendly rivalry more than ‘Taz’ suggesting Ray will be his rival in 2024 after he joked that he’s “not normal”, with Ray laughing when this was put to him and calling Mackenzie a “legend”. Joking around in testing suggests any on-track rivalry between these two will stay firmly on-track.

BASSANI VS RINALDI… 2.0? new look rivalry for Bassani and Rinaldi

After their rivalry ignited last year, there’s been a change for both Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing). Bassani has moved on from Rinaldi’s current team to become a factory Kawasaki rider, while the #21 lost his seat at the factory Ducati team but remains with the manufacturer with the Independent outfit. It’s a new look for the two adversaries, but will their rivalry continue to explode in 2024?

SIBLING RIVALRY: Alex and Sam Lowes go for top dog in the family…

Sometimes, rivalries can be fierce and sometimes they can be friendly rivalries. It’s possible in the case of Alex and Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), it’ll be fierce and friendly. After all, everyone wants to beat their teammate, and everyone wants to come out on top against their siblings. They’ve raced together before but never in a World Championship, possibly taking their rivalry to a new level. Let’s just hope there’s no awkward family dinners after a round…

A NEW ERA BEGINS: don’t miss any moment from 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is getting closer, but big rule changes for the upcoming year have already been announced. From riders needing to add ballast depending on their difference to the reference weight, fuel changes including the fuel needing to have more sustainable origins and differences to the concession system, there’s a lot to be excited for this season.

BALLAST TO BE ADDED: lighter riders to add weight

One of the bigger changes for 2024 is the introduction of new weight regulations, with riders needing to add ballast to their bikes depending on how much lighter than the reference weight they are. The reference weight has been set at 80kg, and riders under this will need to add 0.5kg for every 1kg lighter they are. For example, a rider who weights 70kg in their leathers and with all the protective equipment would need to add 5kg to their bike. A maximum 10kg ballast can be added.

REDUCTION IN CAPACITY: less fuel available for races…

There have also been some changes to fuel regulations. The fuel tank capacity has been reduced to 21 litres, while some tests are ongoing to evaluate fuel flow for 2025. Not only has the fuel tank been reduced, but from this season, 40% of the fuel used must come from non-fossil origin to increase sustainability within the paddock.

AMENDED CONCESSION PROCESS: every two rounds and Superpole Race now scores concession points

As part of the overall package of changes, there have been amendments to how superconcessions work. The concession checkpoint will now be every two rounds, as opposed to three, while manufacturers can now get concession points in the Tissot Superpole Race (previously, it was just Race 1 and Race 2) with ‘half points’ awarded. All manufacturers start on 0 points, and the difference to the highest impacts the concessions. At a checkpoint, any manufacturer with 33 or more points less than the highest will be evaluated. Superconcessions are the only way RPM limits in 2024 can be reduced too, if manufacturers have gained the RPM due to a concession. Also, the superconcession parts now extends to engine components.

ENGINE ALLOCATION INFRINGEMENTS: new penalties

The penalty for exceeding the engine allocation rules has been changed for 2024. A rider now breaking this rule will start from the back of the grid and will also receive two Long Lap Penalties for the infringement. Previously, the punishment was a pit lane start with the rider leaving the pit lane once the green light was on after every rider had passed pit exit.

CHANGES ELSEWHERE: new way of setting WorldSSP, WorldSSP300 and WorldWCR Race 2 grids

The way the grid for Race 2 for WorldSSP, WorldSSP300 and WorldWCR will now be based on the fastest laps set in Race 1. The Tissot Superpole session on a Friday will set the grid for Race 1 as usual, and then the changes come into effect. The riders who set the fastest laps in the opening battle will set the grid for Race 2 for the top nine positions, with the rest of the grid based on the Superpole results.

EXPLAINING THE CHANGES: Lavilla discusses the new rules

Discussing the changes, WorldSBK Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla said: “There are quite a lot of changes for 2024, trying to keep the balance and the opportunity for all manufacturers. Weight introduction, RPM adjustments, fuel tank capacity reduction, super concession updates but not only on the chassis side like it was until 2023 but also on engine side. What has been decided is to add the ballast to the machinery from a weight reference of 80kg with all their gear included, which means helmet, leather and boots at the multiple of 0.5. That means that if a rider weighs 70kg, at 0.5 from 10kg of difference, it means they’ll need to add 5kg. The RPM means it is established from the homologation, but no cut downs can be applied unless the manufacturer is using extra RPM due to a concession. For me, it’s a great show; it’s the best. We have good riders, teams and people behind the scenes making it happen, so I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved. There are fundaments to switch on the TV and enjoy it.”

See the full rule book with all the technical changes HERE.

A NEW ERA BEGINS: don’t miss a single moment from 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The new era is the theme for the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and that also comes with the introduction of a new class; the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship, which will feature a big name. Ana Carrasco, the 2018 World Supersport 300 Champion and Grand Prix points-scorer, is confirmed as being on the grid in 2024’s season of WorldWCR, collaborating with the Evan Bros. Racing Team.

Carrasco’s presence inside the WorldSBK paddock has been strong in recent years, ever since she became the first female to win an FIM Road Racing Solo World Championship race in 2017, before going on to be crowned WorldSSP300 Champion in 2018, triumphing in a thrilling final lap showdown which decided the title. Again, a race winner in 2019, 2020 and 2021, she is one of the most successful names in the category and now seeks to make more history with the new class in 2024.

Speaking about the opportunity, Carrasco said: “I am really happy to announce this new adventure. I will compete in the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship together with the Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team, one of the strongest teams in the WorldSBK paddock, and the goal can only be to win races.”

Team principal Fabio Evangelista, shared Carrasco’s excitement as his team readies for a history-making year in the sport: “The collaboration with Ana fills us with pride. We have always been Ana’s fans, and when the possibility of working together arose we were immediately available. We will try to support her in the best possible way: we will carry out the first tests as soon as possible, so that we will be prepared for the first round of the season.”

Enjoy all of the WorldWCR across LIVE throughout the season with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Yamaha Motor Europe are pleased to announce a change of status and a new name for the FIM Superbike World Championship’s feeder class, the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup. The series, previously known as the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship, has been upgraded to World Cup status thanks to its increasing success and large numbers of international participants.

After many years of support from FIM Europe, the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup will now come under the global FIM umbrella. The R3 bLU cRU initiative was launched in 2021 by Yamaha Racing and is designed to provide a structured and direct path into world championship racing for riders aged between 14 and 20 years old.

Managed by Japan Italy Racing (JiR) and supported by the FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO), the series forms an integral part of DWO’s SBK Roadway program. This partnership between all parties has proven to be an effective and successful one, with a large percentage of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship grid now made up of former bLU cRU riders.

The FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup will be contested across 12 races at six European rounds of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship, and the overall champion will earn a supported ride in the 2025 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship provided by Yamaha Motor Europe.

The series gives young riders the perfect platform to benefit from professional coaching, technical support, and mentoring designed to encourage, develop, and nurture the next generation of superbike riders.

The change of status also reflects the fact that the entry list has become increasingly international in recent years, with almost half the riders registered so far in 2024 hailing from outside Europe.

The season gets underway with the opening round on the 22nd-24th of March at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and updates can be found across the FIM, WorldSBK and Yamaha Racing websites.

Gianluca Montiron: Japan Italy Racing

“Work has begun on the new season, and it has given everybody a real boost to have the new name and status change. It reflects the importance of this championship as it continues to provide a platform for riders as young as 14. These future champions gain a wealth of experience during the six world championship events, and thanks to our continued collaboration with the FIM, Yamaha Motor Europe and DWO we are seeing the popularity of the championship increase.”

Paolo Pavesio: Marketing & Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe

“The upgrade to World Cup status for 2024 represents for the R3 bLU cRU Cup more than a symbolic milestone. In 2021, the inaugural season of the R3 series, the grid was predominantly European. However, over the past two seasons we’ve seen more overseas riders joining the R3 series, with the result that the grid is now split evenly between European riders and those from other continents, primarily Asia, South America, and Australia. With a fixed participation fee and a turnkey package, the series is both cost effective and the ideal stepping-stone onto the world stage for young riders. It has also proved an effective feeder class for the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship, in which nine former bLU cRU riders will race this season. The 2024 season will also be the first in which the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup races will be streamed live, increasing both the reach and visibility of the series worldwide, and promises to be an exciting one on numerous levels for our bLU cRU youngsters, starting with the opening round in Barcelona. With all this in mind, I’d like to conclude by thanking Jorge Viegas and the FIM, firstly for their support since we started this project but also for recognising the increasingly global reach of the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU series with the upgrade to World Cup status.”

Gregorio Lavilla: TitleExecutive Director, Dorna WSBK Organization

“We at DWO are thrilled to witness the evolution of the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup. The transition to World Cup status is a testament to the series’ remarkable growth and the international appeal it has garnered. The collaboration between DWO, Japan Italy Racing, FIM, and Yamaha Motor Europe has proven to be a winning formula, providing a crucial platform for young riders to make their mark on the global stage. We look forward to witnessing the continued success of the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup and the promising talents it nurtures.”

Jorge Viegas: President, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

“The FIM remains committed to promoting inclusivity within motorcycling and the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup is the perfect example of providing opportunities for young riders to join our sport. Over the last three seasons, the popularity of this championship has grown year on year, and due to its ongoing success and the increase in international competitors it has shown that it now deserves to be elevated to FIM World Cup status. I am sure that 2024 will be another great edition of this series.”

2024 FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup Calendar

16th-17th March: Preseason test, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

22nd-24th March: Round 1, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

19th-21st April: Round 2, TT Circuit Assen

14th-16th June: Round 3, Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”

12th-14th July: Round 4, Donington Park

6th-8th September: Round 5, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours

27th-29th September: Round 6, MotorLand Aragon

Source: WorldSBK.com

The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) are pleased to reveal the provisional entry list for the 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.

Over 40 riders applied to compete in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) and eventually 24 were selected to take part in the inaugural edition of the series in 2024, which will start with the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round on June 14th-16th.

Click here to view the full WorldWCR entry list!

About WorldWCR
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, with six rounds in 2024, is a pioneering single-make series exclusively for aspiring female riders, featuring the Yamaha R7. A bold step towards inclusivity, the WorldWCR debuts in 2024, offering emerging talent an equal footing with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Addressing disparities, it opens doors to benefits on and off the track. As a dedicated space for women in professional racing, the WorldWCR breaks stereotypes, increases representation, and inspires the next generation. Celebrating skill and passion, it establishes a new platform where talent takes centre stage and breaks barriers.

The 2024 WorldWCR calendar at a glance
1. Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” – 14-16 June
2. Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park – 12-14 July
3. Pirelli Portuguese Round, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – 9-11 August
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit* – 23-25 August
5. Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit* – 20-22 September
6. Prometeon Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto – 18-20 October
* Subject to homologation

A NEW ERA BEGINS: follow every second of the inaugural WorldWCR season in style using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will make history with a unique and unprecedented event when the seventh round of the 2024 season descends upon the picturesque Autodromo Internacional do Algarve from August 9th to 11th.

Breaking away from the traditional format, this round promises an extraordinary experience for riders, teams, and the thousands of passionate fans who will gather at the circuit for a weekend like no other. The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is meticulously preparing a special ‘Summer Fest’ that goes beyond thrilling track action.

The event will feature ‘Food Court’ areas, music concerts, parade lap autograph sessions, and an unprecedented ‘track tour’ in an open bus, providing fans with an immersive and entertaining experience throughout the afternoon. This will amplify the WorldSBK weekend experience, fostering a festival atmosphere that joyfully celebrates the essence of motorcycle racing.

To accommodate the plethora of additional activities, a unique schedule will be implemented for this round. WorldSBK Race 1 and Race 2 will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 19:00 Local Time / 20:00 CET, allowing spectators to witness the exhilarating races against the backdrop of the stunning Portuguese sunset.

Click here for the full Pirelli Portuguese Round schedule.

The overall track action will span from 12.00 to sundown on all three days of the round, ensuring fans have ample time to enjoy the festivities and immerse themselves in the WorldSBK ‘Summer Fest’ experience.

A NEW ERA BEGINS: join the action trackside at Portimao for an event to remember and get your tickets here!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is getting ever closer all the time and the closer we get, the more teams we get a glimpse of ahead of lights out! The Barni Spark Racing Team continue with Danilo Petrucci for this season and the #9 will have a familiar look to him. The bike is largely the same as 2023, with the instantly recognisable black and red of the team once again on show. Check out the gallery at the top to get familiar with what is sure to be a podium-challenging combination this season.

THE NEW ERA BEGINS: watch every session and race LIVE and OnDemand with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com