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.
Get your must-have tool for all things WorldSBK related with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Source: WorldSBK.com