The first MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action after the August break was at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours with plenty of drama from the off. Saturday featured an unexpected pole position for American star Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) but one of the key stories from the French Round was the collision between Aruba.it Racing – Ducati teammates Alvaro Bautista and Michael Ruben Rinaldi while fighting for the top positions. Check out all the action from Race 1 and Race 2 HERE and watch highlights from the Tissot Superpole Race on YouTube – don’t forget to subscribe too!

Gerloff became the first American in 12 years to take a pole position in WorldSBK when he stormed to top spot in Saturday’s Tissot Superpole session. He was unable to convert it into a podium finish but still reminded everyone of his and BMW’s potential with strong pace throughout the weekend. However, all eyes were on the Aruba Ducati box in the Superpole Race when Bautista, Rinaldi and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) were fighting for top positions. Heading into Turn 5, the Spaniard hit the back of his teammate’s Panigale V4 R and forced him out of the race. No action was taken following an investigation by the FIM Stewards, and Bautista was understandably apologetic when he returned to the box.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship grid will have some major changes in terms of line-up, with the 32 riders now announced in the permanently provisional entry list. Jeffrey Buis takes his #1 plate to KTM for 2024 as he looks to write more WorldSSP300 history, but 31 other riders will look to stop him. Four manufacturers – Kawasaki, Yamaha, KTM and Kove – once again will fight for glory. Check out full details of the entry list right HERE.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The full list of names competing in the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has been revealed. 23 riders will take part in the campaign with 12 rounds on the calendar, which starts in Australia in February and ends at Jerez in October. There have been some MAJOR changes to the grid’s complexion with some huge changes at both the factory and Independent outfits and you can see the full permanently provisional entry list details RIGHT here.

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The riders scheduled to compete in the 2024 FIM Supersport World Championship have been revealed. 32 riders will compete in the Championship next season – including those in the WorldSSP Challenge – as they all bid for glory in the middleweight class. There’s also a new manufacturer on the grid as Chinese outfit QJ Motor race alongside Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph and MV Agusta next year. Check out full details of the permanently provisional entry list HERE.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Several chapters closed at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto back in late October, but perhaps none as significant as the one concerning Jonathan Rea and the Kawasaki Racing Team. The Northern Irishman’s departure from the green team after nine seasons and six world titles marked a veritable end of an era for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. An era which is detailed and honoured in ‘Jonathan Rea: Unrepeatable’, a special long feature now available to watch here. Nine years of excellence told in detail, featuring exclusive interviews, archive footage and much more.

A JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER

Monday, November 3rd, 2014, just a few hours removed from a particularly tempestuous season finale, Kawasaki’s PR team quietly confirmed a story that had been brewing for several months. A young Northern Irishman by the name of Jonathan Rea, with 15 WorldSBK race wins to his name, would be joining the Barcelona-based team from that winter onwards, to partner 2013 Champion and perpetual championship contender Tom Sykes. A few days later, he would already be testing with the green team.

To state that this may be, with the benefit of hindsight, the most consequential signing in the history of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship might even be an understatement. No partnership in 35 years of WorldSBK racing has achieved the level of success that Rea, Kawasaki and the Provec Racing crew have. Before 2015, no single rider had won consecutive titles in the 21^st century; Rea and KRT went on to win six. No rider had reached 60 race wins over their entire career; Rea and KRT’s tally together exceeds 100. As the competition grew tougher, the green ‘dream team’ grew stronger and even more resilient.

A LEGACY RESPECTED BY FRIENDS AND RIVALS ALIKE

The people who lived through these heights – and the inevitable lows – are ever-present throughout this documentary, with team manager Guim Roda and trusted crew chief Pere Riba amongst the key interviewees. Key title rivals also share their thoughts, from old foes like Chaz Davies to the two other members of the famous ‘Titanic Trio’, Alvaro Bautista and Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Rea’s decision to leave the squad at the end of 2023, one of “the hardest decisions” of his career, opens a new chapter for both sides of the equation. In one key moment of ‘Unrepeatable’, key personnel from both Kawasaki and Yamaha open up on the motivation and process of switching from green to blue – a heart-breaking decision for one side, an unbelievable opportunity for the other.

But the centrepiece of this feature are the words of the 6-time World Champion and WorldSBK legend himself, as he takes one final look back at a legendary period in Superbike history over multiple interviews conducted in the weeks after his departure was confirmed. The ‘Yamaha era’ may well take Rea to new heights – “the best is yet to come”, to quote the man himself – but it’s these nine era-defining seasons which have etched Team #65 and Kawasaki into the minds and hearts of Superbike fans around the world, as well as amongst themselves. Or as Rea succinctly puts it: “there will always be part of my blood that’s green”.

Watch every single one of Jonathan Rea’s races with Kawasaki, and the first steps of his new challenge for 2024, on WorldSBK VideoPass.

Source: WorldSBK.com

The Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest, a new family-friendly event held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from the 22^nd– 24^th of March and which will include all the action from the 2024 Pirelli Catalunya Round, has been formally introduced to the public this Thursday in a press conference in Barcelona. The first three-day tickets to the event, which include full paddock access during the round as well as admission to the circuit for the WorldSBK Supported Test on the 15^th of March, are on sale now at motorfest.com.

The 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship concluded in spectacular fashion just six weeks ago, but all eyes are already on what is shaping up to be a fascinating 2024. A new umbrella event for next year’s Catalunya Round, the Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest 2024, has been presented today at the Acta Voraport Hotel in Barcelona by local promoter GEMOCAT, alongside the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Dorna WSBK Organization.

WorldSBK rider Tito Rabat and 2017 WorldSSP300 Champion Marc García were present for the unveiling, alongside Josep Lluis Santamaria (Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya General Director), Gregorio Lavilla (WorldSBK Executive Director), Berni Faus (Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest Director & GEMOCAT Executive Director) and Guim Roda (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK Team Manager).

The 2024 Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest will be held at the Circuit the 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th of March 2024, and will include all the action from the 2024 Pirelli Catalunya Round, including WorldSBK, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300.

Alongside the usual on and off-track action of the WorldSBK, there will be no shortage of entertainment, cultural and gastronomic options available during the 2024 Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest, with all sorts of family-friendly activities scheduled to take place at the Circuit throughout the weekend.

The first 500 three-day tickets are already available for purchase. These tickets include full paddock admission, the opportunity to join the pit-walk on Saturday afternoon, as well as access to the circuit for the WorldSBK Supported Test on the 15^th of March. The 3-day adult pass is available at 49.90€, while is reduced to 19.90€ for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Children 7 or younger may enter for free.

The full ticket allocation for the Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest and the Pirelli Catalunya Round will go out on sale in late January, as well as the full agenda for the three-day event, so don’t miss the opportunity to get your early bird pass HERE.

GREGORIO LAVILLA: “One of the key values for WorldSBK is fan engagement”

Speaking on the occasion, Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, said: “As we gear up for the 2024 Pirelli Catalan Round at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the collaboration between Dorna WSBK, GEMOCAT, and the Circuit marks a strategic alliance to elevate the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship experience. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, deeply rooted in the motorsport heritage of the region, plays a pivotal role in offering a stunning setting to showcase WorldSBK.

“Beyond the thrilling on-track action, one of the key values for WorldSBK is fan engagement. We are proud to offer a plethora of activities for fans, ensuring an immersive experience. The access granted to fans exemplifies our commitment to fostering a strong connection between our audience with the sport. The Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest, with its family-friendly atmosphere, will encapsulate not only the spirit of competition but also a celebration of motor racing. We look forward to welcoming enthusiasts from around the world to this event and delivering an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the races.”

“I HAD NEVER SEEN AS MANY PEOPLE AS I DID IN JEREZ”

Tito Rabat, who this past 2023 season competed with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team, commented: “The Championship is growing, and you can see that in the circuits. I had never seen as many people as I did in Jerez. It’s true that WorldSBK is more popular in countries like the United Kingdom and France, but everyone is working well to allow it to keep growing. The WorldSBK approach is new for a lot of people who visit the circuits: they can follow the action closely, see if you’re happy or angry after the race, they can see to the winning bike… Everything is much closer. And the grid keeps getting closer, that has given us some beautiful races.”

China Racing Team rider and 2017 WorldSSP300 Champion Marc García echoed those thoughts: “Since I arrived in 2017, the Championship hasn’t stopped growing, in terms of competitiveness, attendance… The Paddock Show is key for this. When I was younger, I really struggled to get pictures with riders, whereas now fans can even join in on the celebrations with their favourite riders and teams. That builds a bond. My friends don’t understand much about motorbike racing, but every time they come to the Circuit they love it so much that they can’t wait to come back.”

Guim Roda, Team Manager for the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK, concluded: “As a team based in Granollers [close the to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya], an event like the Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest is very important for us. We think this is good, not only for the Kawasaki Racing Team but also for all of the technical suppliers around us, most of them based in Catalonia, it will boost the industry and popularise the motor world. We are delighted to help with the promotion of the event and to promote the use of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and to help make the Superbikes Barcelona Motorfest a reference at both a local and international level.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion is, on paper, one of the most highly anticipated seasons of racing in many years. The sheer number of rider changes, upgrades within teams and beyond make this a season that is as eagerly-awaited as any before. However, we’ve had our first tease with track action during testing, so what exactly did we learn – if anything – from testing?

“I WAS JUST SIMILING” – Razgatlioglu relishes first taste of BMW

We should start with the latest debut on new machinery; Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) long-awaited first taste of the BMW M 1000 RR took place at Portimao at the start of December and he was smiling from the start. Stating that on the first lap, he couldn’t stop grinning and commenting on the “unbelievable power” of his new toy, it’s what Toprak was requesting. However, the biggest takeaway was that he was thrilled with the engine braking, saying that “finally” he feels it. So, with more top speed, strong engine braking and improved turning, the potential is there from the start. More track time is needed for us to really see what we could be in for in 2024.

QUEST FOR THE SEVENTH: Rea’s new chapter starts well

“Cool but weird” was how Paul Denning described seeing Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) for the first time in blue clothing; after nine seasons in green with Kawasaki, Rea moves to Yamaha for a new challenge, although it’s one with history. His kids have ridden Yamahas for fun, his dad used to race Yamahas during his career and Paul Denning once tried to sign Rea in BSB for his Suzuki team back in the 2000s. However, once he got out on track, he was positive straight away and was likewise fast immediately. Loving the bike from the first moment and with the team likewise enjoying having the six-time World Champion and most successful WorldSBK rider of all time in their box, it could be a big step forward back into contention for the seventh title for the #65.

THE MANIAC IS BACK: Iannone makes alarmingly fast return to action

After four years away, Andrea Iannone came out to play at the Jerez test in November; when getting the thoughts from key personnel in pitlane, nobody really knew what was to come. Well, Iannone answered the question after doing one lap, coming back in and instructing that the garage would be closed and keeping his visor down. However, he went back to the track and by the end of the two days, was inside the top five after his first competitive track action in four years. Both things absolutely sum-up the unpredictability of the 2016 Austrian MotoGP™ Grand Prix winner. What we did learn however was that the speed is still there after an impressive two days of testing; expect the #29 to perhaps be rusty when it comes to race craft when the season gets underway but once a few races are done, Iannone could be well dialled in and challenging in the leading positions. Then again, he may surprise all of us with something else, you just never know.

BAUTISTA WITH NEW CHALLENGES: added weight and testing injury

In 2024, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) will have new rivals to deal with but he’ll also have what is expected to be about 7kg of weight to be added to his motorcycle. Where that weight is to be added remains to be seen but it is sure to give Bautista a fresh puzzle to work out, but he’ll be able to remain competitive – depending on where weight is added, it may not even be a bad thing. Although the weight is a big thing, the other aspect is that he suffered a big highside during testing at Jerez and was eventually diagnosed with C6-C7 hernia and C5-C6 disc protrusions and cervical nerve compression. Whilst surgery isn’t planned, it’s an injury that Bautista could do without (like always), especially with the added weight, new rivals, two new tracks to learn in 2024 and enough variables to keep him occupied during a very short off-season.

HONDA’S UPGRADES: a step in the right direction, but…

Honda are taking WorldSBK more seriously than ever for 2024; their fifth season back as a total, 100% factory effort has seen more Japanese engineers attending tests, personnel changes within the garage and a new CBR1000RR-R fresh out the crate. With a lighter crank, wings and – crucially – split throttle bodies all aiming to improve grip on corner exit and keep the bike grounded, there’re many improvements for the machine and first comments from the riders have been good. However, whether this translates into Honda becoming regular podium contenders or not is the big unanswered question. Testing is one thing, racing is another and we’ll probably not get our concrete answer until the third round – Phillip Island and Barcelona-Catalunya are two tracks where results don’t indicate solid form. Moreover though, the muttering from some within the team are that we shouldn’t go off previous seasons as to this bike’s competitivity, so all things are looking up.

PENDING CONFIRMATION: where question marks remain

One of the big movers for 2024 has been Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), moving from Motocorsa Racing and although he’s had time on the bike, adaptation from a V4 to an inline four engine takes time, although he feels he’s moving in the right way. Sam Lowes (ELF MarcVDS Racing Team) made his debut at Jerez in December and was pleasantly surprised with his first feelings, although mixed conditions mean it’s hard to decipher too much from that. Elsewhere, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was surprisingly fast and ahead of teammate Bautista at Jerez in November, so he’ll be one to watch throughout the rest of the testing season. As for everyone else, all will be looking to make steps in comparison to last year as WorldSBK’s depth of talent deepens again in a power-packed 2024 line-up.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The complexion of the BMW test team for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has been announced. Sylvain Guintoli and Bradley Smith, each with vast experience across motorcycle racing, will test, and were at the Valencia test, for the German factory as they look to take a step forward in WorldSBK. With Toprak Razgatlioglu joining the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2024 alongside Michael van der Mark, plus Garrett Gerloff and Scott Redding and Bonovo Action BMW, the test team is another piece of the puzzle the manufacturer hope will lead them to glory.

ANOTHER CHAMPION JOINS: Guintoli links up with BMW

French rider Sylvain Guintoli last raced in WorldSBK back in 2017 but he’s kept himself race fit by competing in the FIM Endurance World Championship as well as occasional wildcard appearances in MotoGP™ with Suzuki until 2019. His responsibilities for BMW include testing for them but he will also dovetail this with an EWC campaign on the M 1000 RR. Discussing his new role, the 2014 WorldSBK Champion said: “I am very happy to join the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK factory project as a test rider, the project is very exciting, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience into it. I can’t wait to get started and enjoy the BMW M 1000 RR.”

SMITH AND GUINTOLI TEAM UP: Brit also a member of the test team

33-year-old Smith, like Guintoli, brings lots of experience to the BMW family. He raced in MotoGP™ as recently as 2020 with Aprilia and has podiums in the 125cc World Championship as well as Moto2™, MotoE™ and MotoGP™ to his name. While running Yamaha machinery in MotoGP™, he teamed up with Pol Espargaro and Katsuyuki Nakasuga to win the famous Suzuka 8 Hours and his attention now turns to a test role – something he’s held previously with Aprilia – with BMW. On his move to BMW, Smith said: “To be asked by BMW Motorrad to join the test team is a great privilege. I will work my hardest to deliver what our four WorldSBK factory riders need to battle with the best in the Championship.”

THE TEAM’S VIEW: “their wealth of experience strengthens our project… they are the perfect riders”

Discussing the two new arrivals to BMW, Christian Gonschor, Technical Director for BMW Motorrad Motorsport said: “Welcome aboard, Sylvain and Bradley. It’s fantastic that their wealth of experience strengthens our project. Sylvain brings extensive knowledge from many years in the Superbike and Endurance World Championships, where he also secured the titles, as well as from MotoGP™. Bradley complements this knowledge perfectly with his extensive experience as a race and test rider in MotoGP™. They are the perfect riders for our new test team, which focuses solely on testing work on the track, independent of race commitments.”

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers added: “I am proud that, under Chris’s leadership, we have assembled such a strong line-up to support our factory commitments in WorldSBK and the FIM EWC with the test team in the background. It is also a clear indication of BMW Motorrad’s strong commitment to motorsport. The significant input provided by the test team has already shown promise in recent months, and we are confident that this structure will contribute to success.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com