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

It was a challenging week for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team as they went in search of valuable dry weather running to prepare for the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship with Toprak Razgatlioglu and Michael van der Mark. Initially planning for a day at Portimao and then two days at Jerez, the team ended up travelling across the Iberian Peninsula and their unexpected and unplanned ‘week’ of testing concluded in Valencia.

THE STORY OF THE WEEK: trying to run away from rain

Initially, the team planned to test at Portimao on December 4^th before heading to Jerez on December 5^th an 6^th. However, with poor weather forecast, the #54 took to the track on the 3^rd before getting limited running across the two days. Razgatlioglu and van der Mark didn’t fare much better in southern Spain either, with rain continuing to hamper their running. Due to this, the team opted to – spontaneously, according to BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers – head a bit further across Spain to Valencia where they were able to get some key laps in to allow the 2021 Champion to adapt to the M 1000 RR while the #60 was able to test some new components for 2024.

RAZGATLIOGLU’S REVIEW: “Now I know the grip and the reactions; this makes me very happy”

After four years on the Yamaha YZF-R1 machine which he won the 2021 title with, the Turk left the Japanese manufacturer to join BMW for 2024. Portimao was his first taste of his new machine, and he’s been looking to adapt to it since. Reviewing the test, the 27-year-old said: “We have not really been lucky over these past days. Also in Valencia, it started to rain a bit on Friday morning and the track was fully wet. But this track dries really fast and we could ride again in the afternoon. We made big improvements, especially on the last three outings, and I am really enjoying the BMW M 1000 RR. Especially with the engine brake and the electronics we made big improvements. With every lap I am still learning my bike but now I know it, I know the grip and the reactions, and this makes me very happy. I am still learning because it is a completely different bike, but we did a very good job, especially on the final day. Thanks to all the guys because everyone really works hard to give me a good bike. I am still adapting to the bike and the guys in the team are learning my riding style, so it is teamwork. But we are not far off, we are coming, the feedback also has been better every day.”

“THE TEST BIKE HAD A LOT OF NEW ITEMS ON IT” – busy Valencia for van der Mark

After two injury-hit campaigns, van der Mark will be hoping 2024 will have him return to his best and see out a full season. He is the reference of the team, having been on BMW machinery since 2021, which also means he’s able to test components looking at next season while his teammate gets adjusted to the new bike. Discussing his test, where he worked with the BMW test team which was announced to feature 2014 WorldSBK Champion Sylvain Guintoli and two-time MotoGP™ podium finisher Bradley Smith, the Dutchman said: “It has been really nice to get to Valencia. In the end, we got a day and a half in. On Thursday evening, it rained again so Friday was a bit cut short. But it was really good for me to finally do laps. In the end, I was working with the test team and the test bike which had a lot of new items on it for next year. It was nice to do some longer runs with that bike and I think that the guys have enough data now to work over winter and to prepare everything for the end of January.”

THE TEAM SAYS: “Great to welcome Toprak to the team… his initial impressions have been very positive”

With a new arrival, the make up of the test team announced and BMW aiming to make a big step in 2024, these tests have been crucial for the German manufacturer although they tested without their rivals, so making a comparison is hard. Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, reviewed the tests and stated: “After the Bonovo Action BMW team tested with Garrett Gerloff and Scott Redding immediately after the season finale at Jerez, we now have been able to start testing with Toprak Razgatlioglu, Michael van der Mark, and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Overall, it was great to welcome Toprak to the team. His initial impressions of the BMW M 1000 RR he conveyed to us have been very positive. He adapted well to the bike right away. However, the conditions were challenging, and we had no reference from the competition. Therefore, making an assessment is still difficult. The days in Portugal and Spain were demanding. The weather was not on our side. Initially, we had some bad luck in Portimao and could only complete a few laps; the situation was no better in Jerez. Since it was crucial to gather test information, we spontaneously travelled to Valencia with Michael and Toprak to hit the track there together with our BMW Motorrad Motorsport test team. Michael also tested new components with the test team that will be available to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo Action BMW team for the upcoming season.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is rightly being billed as one of the most exciting seasons ever with a line-up featuring a myriad of changes as well as the arrival of fresh faces. Sam Lowes (ELF MarcVDS Racing Team) will be aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the forthcoming season and after just one day of action at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, he was more than positive with his first sensations.

“CONSIDERING THE CONDITIONS, IT WAS A VERY POSITIVE DAY” – Lowes takes to the track

Evaluating his first laps on track, Lowes said: “We only did 65 laps at Jerez on Tuesday and on Monday, we didn’t ride at all because of the conditions. I started with rain tyres and did about 30 or 35 laps with those, then changed to the slick tyre. The conditions weren’t so good, particularly at Turn 2, Turn 9, Turn 13, which were quite wet but the other parts of the track were dry and I was able to ride and get the first sensations. 

“My first feeling with the Ducati was honestly amazing; I was quite nervous to go out in the morning with the first feeling in the rain, so for me it was a good feeling. To go out, understand the bike, the electronics… of course, it’s the first day so I’m not going to get a massive feeling but to understand the electronics, the power compared to the Moto2™, I was smiling even with the first few laps being in the rain. I was very excited and there was a lot of anticipation. Waiting around all day on Monday before going out made it longer.”

“I FELT VERY COMFORTABLE ON THE BIKE STRAIGHT AWAY” – rain doesn’t dampen Lowes’ feeling

With the conditions not being great, it was still productive and learning for the 33-year-old: “Considering the conditions, it was a very positive day; I felt very comfortable on the bike straight away which is something that I was quite surprised about. There are some things that I need to adapt with my riding style in comparison to Moto2™, and probably not the areas I actually thought. Where I thought I’d need to work on, I was already quite good. There are lots of things to think about and work on and obviously, you need time and laps; 30 dry laps is not so much, especially when it was quite patchy.”

I’M REALLY HAPPY, LUCKY AND PROUD…. I JUST SMILED ALL DAY” – a bright future for the new team and rider

It may have just been the first test but Lowes was elated to be part of the team and start this new challenge in his career, returning to the WorldSBK paddock for the first time since his 2013 WorldSSP title success: “The team were really good! It was really nice to get everyone together; the months did a great job to put it all together to get to ride this side of Christmas so thanks to the team and Ducati for helping with that. It’s a really nice group and we’ve done a good job to get that. My crew chief has fantastic knowledge of the bike which also helps. I’m really happy, lucky and proud to be in the team.

“Where I still need to work is to understand the tyres and electronics more and to adapt my style to the Superbike. The strengths were that in some corners and in some areas of the bike, I was doing very, very well, on the level that I need to be. I just smiled all day, enjoyed it, was nervous but it was nice to get out and get the first day out of the way. I look forward to January and it’s quite a long wait now but in the end, the first race is at the end of February. We have a lot of work to do in that side but very positive, looking forward to it and we can look into our first season and have high goals.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team headed to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for some testing, marking Toprak Razgatlioglu’s debut with the team. He was there with Michael van der Mark as the pair reunited after they spent the 2020 season together while at Yamaha and the Dutchman spoke about the atmosphere in the team following the Turk’s arrival, and other new personnel, while giving a brief review of his test.

Razgatlioglu and van der Mark were at the factory Yamaha outfit in 2020 before the #60 switched to BMW for 2021. The pair’s relationship was often jovial and light-hearted, even when not teammates, and will now be reunited at BMW for the 2024 season. They got to work together for the first time at the Portimao test before heading to Jerez for two more days with both hoping for better weather so they can get full testing in with rain disrupting plans in Portugal.

Van der Mark did a few laps across Sunday and Monday, with Razgatlioglu doing the bulk of BMW’s laps as he adjusted to the M 1000 RR albeit still not doing many laps, and the five-time race winner reflected on the test, which was his first of 2024, as well as working with new people including the #54.

The Dutchman said: “Unfortunately, I did not do so many laps during the test. That has been bad luck. But it was nice to be with the team and to have Toprak in the garage. There are some new mechanics, and it was nice to spend a few days with the guys. Hopefully we have some better luck in Jerez. There are so many things to test, so hopefully we can finally go out with the bike. My first impression was that the whole atmosphere in the team is really good. I really enjoyed it even if I did not ride very much.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Team HRC ventured to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for a one-day test and, although the rain meant they didn’t do any running, as teams from the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship gear up for 2024. It was supposed to be the team’s second chance to run the new CBR1000RR-R machine with riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, although these plans have been put to the wayside. At the test, Team Manager Leon Camier spoke about the new bike, how there will be changes to the Team HRC staff for next year and his memories from his stint at the team as he prepares to depart.

“I HOPE IT’S ENOUGH TO BE COMPETITIVE” – Camier on new CBR1000RR-R

Honda announced a new CBR1000RR-R machine for 2024 at the EICMA show in November, with Lecuona and teammate Vierge riding it for the first time at Jerez a couple of weeks ago. Although the team were at Portimao for a one-day test, with wet conditions they decided not to go out, although the outgoing Camier was still able to provide his thoughts on the bike and outline the next stages of development.

Camier said: “The new bike’s a step in the direction we want. I hope it’s enough to be competitive, we will see. Obviously, it’s a new package so it needs time to develop so we can really understand the bike we’ve got. It’s not the final version before round one. There will be some small progress over the Christmas period and then the bike we will start with next year will be slightly different again. Hopefully, the technicians have enough information that they can go back and come with some more parts for next year.

When pressed on where the upgrades would be seen on the bike, Camier added: “This is all something we have to go through and discuss with the Japanese engineers exactly the direction they want to go. We know from the team’s side which things we would like to go in the direction of, but this is something that we need to work out with Japan and what we can do in the time frame we have and confirm the package we’ll start with next year.”

A NEW-LOOK TEAM HRC FOR 2024: Camier departs, new people brought in

There have been several changes to the team for 2024. After three seasons, Camier will depart Team HRC with Jose Escamez coming in as his replacement while Tom Jojic has joined the team as Lecuona’s Crew Chief. Explaining the reasoning behind these changes, Camier said: “Basically, we made some changes at the end of this year as one of my last jobs as Team Manager. We’ve tried to improve the technical side of the team, to bring in people with some more experience and a different background. We’ve added a few staff to try and help behind the scenes as well, with technical support for the crew chiefs. The goal is to try to improve in every area; not just the bike, we also need to try and improve the team on the technical side. This is something I’ve been working on in the last months. I think the team will be stronger next year. I think, in general, the team will be better. Hopefully the bike can make a good step and hopefully we can have some results.”

MEMORIES AS TEAM MANAGER: “The podiums have been a highlight”

As Camier’s latest stint in WorldSBK comes to an end – and he didn’t rule out returning in the future in some capacity – he reflected on his best memories at Honda. The Brit said: “There’s been lots of ups and downs! The podiums have been a highlight and it’s nice to see when the project is moving forwards, and everything is going in a good direction. You take a lot of satisfaction in the position I’m in, seeing this progress. It’s hard to say one memory. There’s been many ups and downs, but this is racing, it’s something I’ve known for many years as a rider. It’s been a privilege and an honour to be in this position and help try to grow the project.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com