Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is the World Champion in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship for a second time. After taking last year’s title, the Spaniard, running the #1 for his defence, was in incredible form all year and got to celebrate in front of his adoring fans at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. To celebrate his title success in Spain, we’ve gathered the best reactions of social media in one easy play. Don’t forget to congratulate Bautista using the hashtag #TheDefence!

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Nicolo Bulega’s penultimate FIM Supersport World Championship race ended with another victory by more than four seconds ahead of his rivals at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto to take his 15^th win of the season, while the battle for second went right to the line. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) took second ahead of Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) at the Prometeon Spanish Round, with the pair separated by less than a tenth at the end of the 17-lap race.

BULEGA BRILLIANCE CLAIMS VICTORY: he finishes clear of incredible fight for second

As seen so often throughout 2023, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) got the holeshot and used his early race pace advantage to full effect, pulling out a gap of just under two seconds in the first few laps. Despite starting from the front row, Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) dropped back as the lights went out but was soon fighting back as he went in search of his first win. However, he was out of contention early in the race, when he crashed at Turn 6 on Lap 5 while fighting with Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) for the podium places; not long after, teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu, who started from the pitlane, went down at the same corner. Both re-joined the race, but outside the points. Sofuoglu had battled his way close to the points but was given a Long Lap Penalty for irresponsible riding by the FIM Stewards.

Schroetter’s crash promoted Caricasulo to second and Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) to third, with the two Italians fighting for the podium places, while it also gave Bulega a four-second lead over the chasing pack. The #62 pulled off a typically aggressive move on ‘Carica’ on Lap 7 to claim second, with Caricasulo attempting to respond a lap later into Turn 6. He was able to pull alongside him but had a moment under braking, costing him time. He was able to make up that time to have another look at passing the Yamaha at the same corner a couple of laps later, but Manzi was able to resist his rival’s challenge.

On the penultimate lap, the Ducati rider looked to make a move under braking heading into the Turn 6 hairpin and, while he was able to get ahead, could not stop his bike in time and ran wide which allowed the #62 back through. Despite his best efforts, Manzi stayed ahead to claim second place with ‘Carica’ in third. Bulega took his 15^th win of the season, two behind the all-time record of 17 with only one race left, while it was Manzi’s 21^st podium in WorldSSP. For Caricasulo, it was his 34^th rostrum visit while the trio were on the podium for the fifth time, equalling the record with two combinations: Dominique Aegerter, Lorenzo Baldassarri and Bulega as well as Joan Lascorz, Eugene Laverty and Kenan Sofuoglu.

NAVARRO PIPS DEBISE TO FOURTH: another battle decided on the final lap

Jorge Navarro (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) took fourth after a late battle with Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha). The Frenchman had been running in fourth, and looked like he was closing in on the podium battle, but he lost to fourth to the #9. Their battle ran right to the wire, with Navarro beating Debise by just 0.055s. The two Ten Kate Racing riders’ results meant that the Dutch squad were able to wrap up the Teams’ Championship with a race to spare. Navarro’s compatriot, Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki), ended his run of retirements with sixth place. The #99 battled with Navarro in the early stages before losing three seconds to the #9, finishing in sixth.

WILDCARD IMPRESSES DESPITE CRASH: Ruiz shows Spanish strength

Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) claimed seventh wand was only 1.5 seconds away from the top six, while he finished eight seconds clear of a fierce fight for eighth. The battle was won by Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) ahead of Niki Tuuli (PTR Triumph) and Glenn van Straalen (EAB Racing Team). However, it had been a four-way scrap with wildcard Yeray Ruiz (MDR Offitec Yamaha) impressing with his tenacity and speed. However, the Spaniard crashed on the final lap at Turn 5 which ended his chances of a maiden top ten.

FROM PITLANE TO POINTS: Corsi takes 12th, Schroetter recovers for one points

Turkish star Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) put in another points-scoring race despite losing time in the closing stages of the race, as he searches for full fitness. He took 11^th, more than five seconds back from van Straalen, but 3.5 seconds clear of Simone Corsi (Altogo Racing Team). The Italian started from the pit lane due to a technical infringement but was able to fight his way to 12^th. Czech rider Ondrej Vostatek (PTR Triumph) was 13^th ahead of Anupab Sarmoon (Yamaha Thailand Racing Team) in 14^th and Schroetter in 15^th; the German fighting back after his crash for a point, with teammate Sofuoglu in 16^th after serving his Long Lap Penalty.

HOUSEKEEPING: dramatic start to the penultimate race of the year

The opening couple of laps featured several crashes. Wildcard Emanuele Pusceddu (J.Angel by Edafos) crashed at Turn 1, with Filippo Fuligni (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) involved, and was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following his tumble. He was conscious but declared unfit with concussion, and the Italian was transported to hospital for further assessments. On the same lap, Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) crashed at Turn 7, and, like his compatriot, he went to the medical centre for a check-up. He was declared unfit with a fracture to the left metacarpal bone on his hand. On Lap 2, Malaysian rider Muhammad Mohd Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team) crashed at Turn 6. Although he re-joined the race, he opted to bring his bike into the pits to retire.

It was a dramatic day for two one event riders who had shown promise prior to Race 1. Melvin van der Voort (Team SWPN), and Gabriele Giannini (ProDina Kawasaki Racing) crashed at Turn 9 with both retiring from the race. The incident was investigated by the FIM Stewards. In the final third of the race, Miquel Pons (Zeus Motorsport) brought his Yamaha machine into the pits and retired.

The top six from WorldSSP Race 1, full results here:

1 Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)

2. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +4.892s

3. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) +4.931s

4. Jorge Navarro (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +8.335s

5. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) +8.390s

6. Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) +11.557s

Fastest Lap: Nicolo Bulega (Ducati), 1’41.875s – new lap record

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The final Tissot Superpole of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is in the history books with the grid set for the title-deciding round. The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto will be the venue which crowns the 2023 Champion, whilst various chapters close in other teams as riders move to new outfits. Grabbing a first pole since June, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) will be keen to wrap the title up in true style at home with a clear view to Turn 1.

STORY OF SUPERPOLE: fighting for track position from the start

Riders were straight out onto the circuit at the start of the 15-minute session, eager to make the most of the track time. It was a pack of BMWs that led the way with Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) leading round teammate Garrett Gerloff but all tripping themselves up with Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK), Alvaro Bautista and Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) in the thick of the action. Champion-elect Bautista hit the front of the pack and was the perfect pace-setting target for those behind, many already with the SCQ tyre. In clear space, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was more on his own initially, as was Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). Bautista went top ahead of a charging Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) but it was six-time World Champion Rea who was provisionally top. After the opening laps, the track was congested as the protagonists jockeyed for position.

With less than ten minutes to go, riders came in to change their rubber, whilst others stayed out on different strategies. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK) was up in fourth ahead of teammate Remy Gardner, with Garrett Gerloff P6 with half of the session now complete. As riders returned to the track, Jonathan Rea led the second-run charge with his usual Superpole partner Scott Redding latching on behind him, as well as Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), who is with a factory ZX-10RR at his disposal this weekend. Rea and Redding pulled clear though and were on great pace and the Ulsterman went faster still whilst the #45 followed him onto the front row.

FRONT ROW: Bautista to go for title #2 from the front

The clocked ticked down and in the final three minutes, there were red sectors and personal bests everywhere; Remy Gardner went into P2 but it was Bautista who stormed to provisional pole after a blistering second half of the lap. Razgatlioglu was only able to go fourth whist Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) demoted him one place further with a stunning P2 effort. Bautista was untouchable at the front and took a first pole since Misano back in June. Dominique Aegerter’s P2 took a joint-career-best, thus a best for Switzerland in WorldSBK. Completing the final front row of 2023, Alex Lowes surged to third for back-to-back front rows for the first time since Barcelona and Portimao last year.

SECOND ROW SHOCKS: Rea rises to P4 ahead of two Independent stars

The second row features strength and surprises with Rea going from fourth after his final Superpole session in green, the 96^th top four Superpole result for him with Kawasaki. His first race with them started with a pole! In fifth place, Remy Gardner will look to achieve a first podium in his rookie season from the middle of the second row, whilst Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) left it late to go sixth, which had a crucial impact on the third row.

HEAVYWEIGHT ROW THREE: Toprak to fight through from P7

Toprak Razgatlioglu missed the front two rows by just 0.060s, so he’s stuck to P7 for Race 1 and the Superpole Race. The third Yamaha in the Superpole classification took his worst Superpole result since he was eighth in Barcelona. Eighth for final round on the grid belongs to Scott Redding, who was pushed back down the order after initially hitting the front row, whilst his 2024 teammate Garrett Gerloff clinched ninth. In his last weekend working with crew chief Andrew Pitt, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) completed the top ten, his joint-worst of the season with Magny-Cours.

NO FAIRYTALE SO FAR: Rinaldi and Bassani fail to deliver on final appearances for their teams

Not ending his factory Ducati chapter on a high in Superpole, Michael Ruben Rinaldi was summoned to the fourth row in P11, one place ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team). The fifth row of the grid features Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in 13^th, ahead of Iker Lecuona who could only manage 14^th and Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) in 15^th despite finding pace in FP3.

WORK TO DO: Vierge left in 16th

The best of the rest was Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) but still only 16^th, whilst it was a season-best for Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in 17^th, one place ahead of Loris Baz. Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) was 19^th, with the top 20 completed by wildcard Gabriele Ruiu (Bmax Racing). Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team), teammate Leandro Mercado, wildcard Florian Alt (Holzhauer Racing Promotion) and Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) round out the order.

Top six after WorldSBK Superpole at Jerez, full results here:

1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’38.635s

2. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.210s

3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.270s

4. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.272s

5. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.326s

6. Phillip Oettl (Team GoEleven) +0.456s

Find out what Bautista needs to do to take the title here and watch in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Nicolo Bulega’s (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) final FIM Supersport World Championship weekend before he moves to WorldSBK continued to be an impressive one as he took pole position in the Tissot Superpole session by almost six tenths at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. It means he now holds the joint record for poles in a single season as he beat compatriot Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) by 0.587s during the Prometeon Spanish Round.

STORY OF SUPERPOLE: Bulega quickest out of the blocks

The first laps came in with Champion Bulega storming straight to top spot with a 1’42.567s, going six tenths quicker than Caricasulo on their first flying laps. The #11 was the only rider in the 1’42s bracket in the opening stages, and he was able to improve even further on his second lap to a 1’42.130s, although ‘Carica’ did join him in the 1’42s bracket when he set a 1’42.858s on his second lap.

The second stints got underway with around seven minutes left in the session, and the Champion was able to improve to a 1’41.823s, the first leader in the 1’41s, to extend his lead over the #64 to more than nine tenths. The battle for second was heating up, however, between Caricasulo and Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse). The German rookie had been third before usurping his Italian rival, before the Ducati star responded with a 1’42.633s to reclaim second by 0.057s ahead of the #23. The #64 improved again in the closing stages to a 1’42.410s to close the gap to his rival to around six tenths and secure a front row start.

Bulega’s pole position gave him his 10^th of the season, tying him with Cal Crutchlow and Sebastian Charpentier for the record number of poles in a single season. It’s also his fifth consecutive pole position. For Caricasulo, it was his 39^th front row start in WorldSSP while Schroetter claimed only his second top-three starting position.

SECOND ROW STARTS: can they fight for the podium?

Championship runner-up Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) claimed fourth as he lapped 0.926s slower than the rider who had been his title rival this season, ahead of compatriot Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team). Renewed for 2024 already, the #55 was consistently in the top positions as he claimed fifth, 0.015s slower than the #62. The second row is completed by Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) in sixth, the first rider more than a second away from Bulega’s lap time.

DRAMATIC ENDING TO SUPERPOLE: Sofuoglu crashes but inside the top ten

Home hero Jorge Navarro (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) missed out on a second row start by two tenths behind compatriot Huertas, with Navarro setting a 1’43.032s. Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) took eighth ahead of Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha), with the Frenchman 0.019s behind the Italian. Turkish star Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was tenth despite a late crash. The #54 came off his MV Agusta F3 800 RR at Turn 1 with just a few minutes remaining, bringing out the yellow flags, although he was able to re-join the session; albeit without setting a further lap time.

COMPLETING THE TOP 15: Oncu continues to find form

Dutch rider Glenn van Straalen (EAB Racing Team) was 11^th with Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in 12^th. The Turk, still building up to full fitness following the injuries sustained earlier in the year, had been strong in FP2 on Friday and carried that on with a fourth-row start, lapping less than a tenth away from compatriot Sofuoglu in tenth. Wildcard Yeray Ruiz (MDR Offitec Yamaha) claimed 13^th with Simone Corsi (Altogo Racing Team) and Niki Tuuli (PTR Triumph) completing the top 15. However, Corsi will start Race 1 and Race 2 from the pitlane due to a technical infringement in FP2.

HOUSEKEEPING: one event riders impress, returnees struggle

Melvin van der Voort (Team SWPN) was fast on Friday and was 16^th in Superpole on his debut with a 1’43.544s, finishing ahead of Emanuele Pusceddu (J.Angel by Edafos) in 18^th. Alvaro Diaz was drafted in to replace the unfit Nicholas Spinelli at VFT Racing WEBIKE Yamaha and the #27 took 22^nd despite missing both Friday practice sessions. He was two places behind Apiwath Wongthananon (Yamaha Thailand Racing Team) as he returns from injury. Debutant Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (D34G Racing) was 30^th ahead of teammate Oli Bayliss, with the Australian on track for the first time since undergoing surgery.

The top six from WorldSSP Superpole, full results here:

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 1’41.823s

2. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) +0.587s

3. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +0.867s

4. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.926s

5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.941s

6. Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) +1.007s

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Source: WorldSBK.com

With sunrise creating picture-postcard shots at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Free Practice 3 was the sound to wake up to in Andalusia on Saturday morning. Dry running was crucial and after the first 30-minute session of the day, it was Champion-elect Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who was on top of the final FP3 session of the year as he starts what could be a title-clinching day.

Bautista not only led the way in FP3 but set the fastest time of the weekend and was one of just two riders in the 1’39 bracket, setting a 1’39.638. He was 0.233s ahead of Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), with the Swiss rider in some good form at a track he has an abundance of experience at. Third place went the way of Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who was less than half a second away from top slot. He was just less than a tenth and a half clear of Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing), who is back in form, whilst Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) completed the top five. This weekend will be Bassani’s last with Lorenzo Mauri’s team, whilst Lecuona’s weekend will also be his last with crew chief Pete Jennings despite Iker remaining with the team for next year.

Sixth place went to Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who spent most of the session outside of the top ten on his final weekend of action in green. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) was threatening the top six again and up in P7, with the American just ahead of Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven). Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was the fourth Ducati, meanwhile, title contender Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) couldn’t improve on his FP2 time and was stuck in tenth during FP3, one place ahead of Friday’s second-fastest rider Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). Big names down field included Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in P13, one place ahead of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) – who spent a lot of time lapping together with teammate Toprak – and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) who was just P16.

Top six after WorldSBK FP3, full results here:

1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’39.638s

2. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.233s

3. Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.455s

4. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) +0.593s

5. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +0.629s

6. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.694s

Find out what Bautista needs to do to take the title here and watch in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) was the fastest rider on Friday at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto as he finished two tenths clear of his competitors, and three tenths clear of MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title rival Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). After only taking to the track in one of Friday’s two sessions, the #54 was on top as the final Friday of 2023 concluded at the Prometeon Spanish Round.

With damp conditions greeting the WorldSBK field on Friday, with the track not fully dry or fully wet, only four riders set a time in Free Practice 1. The session was topped by late substitute rider Leandro Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team), with the 2021 Champion not venturing onto the circuit for as much as an out lap. It meant all his running was completed in the afternoon Free Practice 2 session, with the track much drier but still with wet patches following overnight rain.

In FP2, the double race winner at Jerez in 2021, WorldSBK’s last visit to the circuit, posted a 1’40.312s to top the standings ahead of Yamaha stablemate Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in second. The 27-year-old was another tenth clear of title rival Bautista, with the Spaniard claiming third spot after a crash during FP2 disrupted his running. Despite his Turn 6 tumble, the #1 completed 20 laps in the second session compared to Razgatlioglu’s 19.

Reflecting on his Friday, the Turkish star said: “The Friday was difficult because nobody rides in FP1, because the track conditions were strange. In FP2, everybody’s riding and I’m feeling less grip. This is not just my problem; all riders are feeling the same. My bike is worse than the others because I’m feeling just spinning, no grip and no turning. We have some positives. I hope we are improving the bike tomorrow; I just need a little bit more grip for good pace. I did a good lap time, but I need good pace. Now, I’m not really strong.”

During his 19 timed laps, the longest stint for the #54 was six laps at the very end of the session when track conditions were at their best for the day and also after a red flag caused by Gabriele Ruiu’s (Bmax Racing) crash. His fastest time came on the second run of this stint, but all the other times were in the low 1’41s bracket, ranging from 1’41.388s to 1’41.015s.

During FP2, the Turk followed his rival on track. Discussing this and outlining his chances of victory, he said: “He’s very strong and this track and I just tried to follow him to understand which areas his bike is very strong. The exit of Turn 5, he’s unbelievably fast. And the last corner exit, there’s a big gap. I’m just trying to find which corner I can catch him. I see this and I understand. I just need a good setup because I feel a lot of spinning. I’m still fighting for the win. I hope tomorrow I feel the bike is much better and first I need a good Superpole, then a good race. I hope I’m fighting like at Portimao; then I’m feeling the bike better and starting to enjoy. I’m focused and hungry to win.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

It should be a full-gone conclusion but in motorcycle racing, anything can happen. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) just needs to score two points from a possible 62 up for grabs across the entirety of the Prometeon Spanish Round at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto and he’ll be the first back-to-back Ducati Champion since Carl Fogarty in 1998 and 1999. However, a Turn 6 crash in FP2 and with title rival Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) leading the way perhaps suggests that the #1 may have to work for his keep.

Bautista didn’t venture out in a tricky FP1 but in FP2, was straight down to business and had the #54 of Razgatlioglu in his slipstream for a fair chunk of the session. Losing the front at Turn 6 all on his own, Bautista was able to dust himself down and return to the pits but it was an innocent fall the 38-year-old Spaniard could have done without. He managed to finish third overall and won’t be too concerned but it is a hiccup that shows a small chink in what has otherwise been solid armour.

Assessing his crash in the opening chapter to what could be another title-clinching weekend, Bautista said: “Today, we have to say half a day one! In the morning, the track was too wet and we didn’t want to take any risks so we decided not to exit. In the afternoon, the track was almost dry. Just a couple of water patches in some areas of the track. I tried to be very careful in those zones. I crashed at Turn 6 because I went over a wet patch that was not easy to see when you were riding. I didn’t expect it, honestly! It seemed like it was completely dry in that area of the track. Fortunately, I don’t have any physical problems.”

With two World Championship’s already under his belt – 2006 125cc World Championship and 2022 WorldSBK title – but both were achieved far away from home, in Australia and Indonesia respectively. However, this weekend could bring the opportunity for the Ducati star to take the title in his homeland, surrounded by friends, family and all those closest to him, professionally and personally. He’d also be the first Spanish rider to take the title in Spain, as Carlos Checa claimed his 2011 title at Magny-Cours in France.

With regards to Bautista’s match point on Saturday, the #1 said: “Every day that I enjoy the bike is a great day and today I enjoyed it! Tomorrow, the approach is to keep this feeling and to work well; I hope the track is in better condition. The track is so nice when the conditions are good. There is nothing that will change for tomorrow. Firstly, I try to be away from everyone saying, “you’ll win tomorrow! You’ll win tomorrow.” I’m the first person that knows I have the match point tomorrow but it’s better that I don’t think about it. I’ll try to be relaxed, concentrated and focused in the moment to ride the bike. I’ll relax with my friends and family as everyone is here. I’ll try and forget about bikes and we’ll talk about other things, have a joke and have fun, keep busy and that’s all.”

Find out what Bautista needs to do to take the title here and watch in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

After losing most of FP1 due to the damp and cold conditions, Free Practice 2 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto was much better and much needed. Championship leader Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) didn’t venture out in FP1 and crashed at Turn 6 during FP2, not long after he was being followed on track by Championship rival Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK).

TUSSLE AT THE TOP: Razgatlioglu leads the way, Bautista P3 despite fall

In the blue corner and looking to sign off his Yamaha chapter on a high and delay Bautista’s seemingly inevitable title celebrations for as long as possible, Razgatlioglu was in good form from the start, chasing Bautista in the standings, timesheets and on track for a lot of it. The Turkish star was a double winner in 2021 at Jerez and he’ll need perfection this year – combined with a Bautista disaster – if he’s to fight for the title. He left it late to fly to the top of the standings, meaning business on the opening day. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was inside the top seven for most of the session, finishing in P9 at the end of the day.

Ducati’s day started pretty well as Alvaro Bautista got under the 1’41 mark almost instantly before a small crash at Turn 6 halted his progress with less than half an hour on the clock. However, after returning unharmed to the pits, he was back out with just over 20 minutes of the session still to go, eventually finishing third. Teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi has always been competitive at Jerez and was right in contention throughout the session and inside the top four, as he gears up for his final round in the factory Ducati team. Rinaldi took fourth as Friday action finished.

INDEPENDENT STRENGTH: five stars in five-star Friday

There was a raft of Independent stars up inside the leading positions, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) riding well in P2, putting together one of the longest runs of the day on his first exit. Behind him, teammate Dominique Aegerter was P5 and made a great save in the closing minutes of the session at Turn 6, whilst a job-hunting Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) took sixth. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) was seventh despite a hefty crash at Turn 8 on his outlap of the session. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) started Jerez inside the top ten with eighth.

BMW AND HONDA: factory riders fighting for the top ten placings

In tenth place, Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the fastest of the factory BMWs as he looks to finish his tenure with Shaun Muir’s outfit on a high. He won at the track in 2020, claiming his first wins of his WorldSBK career. On the other side of the box, teammate Michael van der Mark was one of just four riders to go out in FP1, finishing second in the end but P12 overall.

The next-best factory team were Team HRC, who with their rider line-up completed for 2024 and 2025 with no changes, took to the track which should play into their hands after plenty of testing over the last seasons. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) and teammate Xavi Vierge likewise have plenty of experience at Jerez and Lecuona was 11th, although Vierge struggled and was down in P18.

STRUGGLING: Rea 13^th as Kawasaki chapter nears closure, 2024 Yamaha crew chief confirmed

It was a day of struggles for Kawasaki, with Jonathan Rea’s (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) swansong round for the team now upon him. The three-time Jerez race winner languished outside of the top ten on day one, finishing in 13^th, one place ahead of his 2024 replacement Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing). Things didn’t go much better on the other side of the box either, with Alex Lowes crashing at Turn 1 and finishing the session in 16th. With regards to 2024, Rea will test for Yamaha in the post-round test and will have Andrew Pitt has his teammate, confirmed via a pitlane interview with the World Feed broadcast by team principal Paul Denning. In KRT, Pere Riba confirmed he’ll stay with the green team, although was coy on what exactly his role will be and with which rider.

REST OF THE FIELD: perhaps a surprise to come?

15th place went the way of Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) despite a tumble at Turn 6, whilst Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was 17th and with his future seemingly still in doubt. Malaysian Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team) was 19th ahead of Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), with Manuel Puccetti’s outfit with a factory ZX-10RR at their disposal this weekend. 2023 IDM Superbike champion Florian Alt (Holzhauer Racing Promotion) was 21st as a wildcard, ahead of Gabriele Ruiu (Bmax Racing); the Italian had a huge highside at Turn 13 which brought out a brief red flag. Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team) is substituting for Eric Granado this weekend and grabbed the headlines in FP1 by leading the way but was 23^rd in the dry FP2, whilst Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) completed the order in 24^th place, suffering a crash at Turn 6.

Top six after Friday in WorldSBK, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 1’40.312s

2. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.244s

3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.320s

4. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.398s

5. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.511s

6. Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) +0.546s

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Source: WorldSBK.com

While the big focus has been on the rider line-up on the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid, all of these changes have led to a shake-up of crew chiefs too. As a fundamental part of each rider’s team, it’s important to have the right crew chief and there will be changes within the Pata Yamaha box in terms of both riders and crew chiefs as they shuffle people around following Jonathan Rea’s (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) arrival.

The move is made by possible by Phil Marron following Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2024 when the Turk switches manufacturers, with their relationship going back to 2019. This created an empty crew chief chair at the factory Yamaha team, and this paved the way for the next move which will re-unite six-time Champion Rea and Andrew Pitt, with the partnership starting work on Tuesday at the post-season test at Jerez.

Rea’s current crew chief, Pere Riba, confirmed in FP1 that he is staying with the KRT outfit despite the Ulsterman’s departure, and Yamaha have opted to move Pitt across the box for Rea. The two were teammates at Hanspree Ten Kate Honda back in 2008 in WorldSSP when they finished 1-2 in the Championship, with the Australian claiming his second title. It means that Rea’s future teammate, Andrea Locatelli, will be without a crew chief for now.

During Free Practice 2 at Jerez, Team Principal Paul Denning confirmed Pitt’s move to Rea’s side of the garage, while also addressing how the opening created by this move on Locatelli’s side would be filled. Although he didn’t reveal the name of the #55’s crew chief for next season, he explained they would be joining the team later in the year.

Discussing the crew chief allocation for 2024, Denning said: “I can confirm that Andrew will come across to work with Jonathan. They’ve got a very close relationship that goes back many, many years. They’ve been teammates before but when Andrew was a rider, not a crew chief. On top of that, we’ve got a very, very exciting crew chief coming to join the team to strengthen the whole project, who will work with ‘Loka’. That’ll be announced towards the end of November.”

It was a strong day for the team on Friday with 2021 Champion Razgatlioglu topping the times. The majority of the field opted to stay in the box in FP1 due to wet conditions on track, but everyone ventured out in FP2. The #54’s best time was a 1’40.312s, around two seconds clear of Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in second, while Locatelli took ninth and was around nine tenths down on his teammate.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) took full advantage of improved conditions at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto as he topped both Free Practice 2 and the combined classification as he went more than six tenths clear of his FIM Supersport World Championship rivals. With conditions vastly improved, all riders were able to go faster in the afternoon at the Prometeon Spanish Round, as a trio of Italian riders rounded out the top three.

STORY OF FP2: dry track creates busy session….

With the track now considerably drier compared to this morning’s FP1 session, where only six riders posted a time, the laps were much faster and immediately into the 1’50s barrier, with Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) lapping in the 1’48s straight away. The Spaniard improved his time to a 1’46.351s but his lead at the top ended when 2023 Champion Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) posted a 1’40.070s to briefly claim top spot with just under 30 minutes remaining in FP2.

The pair were swiftly joined by Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) as the quickest riders, with the #62 moving to P1 with a 1’45.736s at around the halfway mark of the session, before Bulega usurped him by just 0.006s as the times edged closer to the 1’44s bracket; the #11’s time with 20 minutes remaining was 1’45.183s. On his next lap, the Champion went even faster to lap in the 1’44s for the first time with a 1’44.953s, extending his lead over Manzi to 0.236s. As the time ticked down, a flurry of red sectors were posted across the board with track conditions getting ever better.

CHAMPION ON TOP: Bulega leads Italian 1-2-3

The majority of the quickest times came in the final 10 minutes with Bulega eventually claiming first place with a 1’43.171s. He was one of only two riders to lap in the 1’43s bracket as he finished six tenths clear of Montella. The #55 was the only other rider to be in the 1’43s, with Manzi in third a further two tenths back from his compatriot, with the top three separated by just over eight tenths at the end of Friday’s action.

ONCU BACK ON FORM? Turkish star into the top six

Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) left it late to move into the top four, but he was able to claim fourth with a 1’44.110s to ensure three manufacturers were inside the first four positions. Like the German, Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) improved his time to a 1’44.123s in the final few moments to take fifth, finishing ahead of Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing). The Turkish star is still working his way back to full fitness from injury but was able to secure a top six position on Friday.

WILDCARD IMPRESSES: Dutch rookie immediately in the top ten

The one-time race winner was ahead of Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) in seventh, with the #64 having a massive moment at the final corner in the first part of FP2. Dutch rider Melvin van der Voort (Team SWPN) was an impressive eighth on his WorldSSP debut, lapping two tenths slower than ‘Carica’ ahead. Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was ninth ahead of home hero Jorge Navarro (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) with the Spaniard rounding out the top ten on Friday.

HOUSEKEEPING: to note from Friday’s running

Despite topping the wet FP1, Miquel Pons (Zeus Motorsport) finished 26^th in the dry FP2. Ondrej Vostatek (PTR Triumph) was one rider who opted not to go out in FP1 and his track time in FP2 was curtailed when he crashed at Turn 1 in the first few minutes, at the start of his first flying lap. The Czech star did not set a lap time.

The top six from WorldSSP Friday running, full results here:

1 Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 1’43.171s

2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.628s

3. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.841s

4. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +0.939s

5. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) +0.952s

6. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +1.061s

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Source: WorldSBK.com