The FIM Supersport World Championship grid for 2024 is starting to take shape with riders already beginning to know their future. There will be changes up and down the grid as teams search for the best riders for their project, and riders look for the best team to fight for the title with. This is also the case in WorldSSP300 with a huge move already announced for double Champion Jeffrey Buis. As riders get confirmed, this article will be updated as more plans become known with the last update on Friday, 3rd November.
FRONT RUNNERS STAY IN PLACE: some continuity on the WorldSSP grid
The Barni Spark Racing Team announced that Yari Montella would stay for a second campaign after an impressive first season on the Panigale V2 with the #55 scoring five podiums this year. It’ll be the one-time race winner’s third full campaign in WorldSSP, and he’ll be looking to return to the top step of the rostrum; his first win was at Phillip Island in 2022. Despite an injury-hit campaign, Kawasaki Puccetti Racing tied down Can Oncu for 2024 and this was one of the first announcements to be made in a busy October period for the Championship. Oncu is a race winner, taking victory at Mandalika this year, but missed a substantial part of the season through injury, although he did return to the rostrum at Jerez with a remarkable performance.
German rookie Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) has impressed this season and became a consistent podium contender from the off. Although it was teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu who took the team’s only win so far (prior to the Spanish Round), Schroetter earned himself a renewal as he claimed third in the standings with a round to spare.
CHANGES AT THE CHAMPIONS: Huertas switches manufacturers, Tuuli too
With Nicolo Bulega moving to WorldSBK for 2024, it was announced that Adrian Huertas would take Bulega’s seat for 2024 as he switches from Kawasaki to Ducati machinery. Niki Tuuli’s move from PTR Triumph to the EAB Racing Team was announced, with the team swapping to Ducati machinery for 2024. The Finn has plenty of experience to bring to his new team for 2024, with two wins and 10 podiums under his belt already. The Bologna-based manufacturer will be the #66’s fifth brand he has raced for in his WorldSSP career.
CHAMPION ON THE MOVE: Kawasaki to KTM for Buis, race winner replaces him in WorldSSP300
Before he secured his second WorldSSP300 title, Jeffrey Buis’ future was already known. He’s departed the MTM Kawasaki squad, the team he won both Championships with, to move to the Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing outfit. A new team, new colours and a new bike for the #6 to ride. His seat at MTM Kawasaki will be filled by Mirko Gennai, as he switches from Yamaha to Kawasaki as he looks to keep up the team’s remarkable success; the Italian will race alongside Loris Veneman for his second season. Also announced was inigo Iglesias’ return to WorldSSP300, after he raced and won in the IDM Supersport 300 championship this year.
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Source: WorldSBK.com