After a stunning round in Portugal, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to France and the historic Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours for Round 8 of the season next. The Motul French Round is a must-visit for fans with plenty of action and excitement to come, and we’ve detailed 10 reasons why you have to go this year – get your tickets HERE.
THE ON-TRACK ACTION: as fierce as ever
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) might be on a record-breaking winning streak, but he’s been made to work hard for his wins. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and teammate Nicolo Bulega all fought for victory at Portimao, so expect more of the same in France.
HISTORY CONTINUES TO BE MADE: Razgatlioglu’s streak continues
Razgatlioglu made it 13 wins in a row last time out, an all-time streak in WorldSBK. He’ll face stiff competition in France, but Magny-Cours is a circuit he loves and has a superb record at. It was the scene of his first wins, but it will also be his first time there with BMW.
SHOCKS AND SURPRISES: an upset on the cards?
In recent years, Magny-Cours has provided several surprises. Who could forget Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) claiming a stunning pole last year, or when Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) and Bautista came to blows in 2022? And, as mentioned, when Razgatlioglu won from 16th on the grid… twice! What shocks will there be in 2024?
THE WORLD SUPERSPORT TITLE FIGHT: just 20 points in it
After Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) took six consecutive wins, it started to look like he’d started putting one hand on the trophy. That all changed at Portimao with his Race 2 tumble and, while he finished 12th in a damage limitation ride, Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) did the double to close the gap to just 20 points…
THE PADDOCK SHOW: podium celebrations all round
The Paddock Show takes place in the heart of the WorldSBK paddock and allows fans to get close to the jubilation of victory with the podium celebrations, with the chance a rider could run off the stage and spray you with Prosecco…
A 10 POINT MARGIN: WorldSSP300 Champion battle ignites…
Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) had been the star of WorldSSP300 in 2024 but Portimao had a huge twist. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) moved into the Championship lead thanks to his double podium, while Iglesias scored no points. 10 points separate the top two, with Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) in third and just a point behind Iglesias.
THE TOWN OF NEVERS: a quiet place but plenty of history
Magny-Cours is situated a few hours south of Paris, but there’s also things to do in the nearby town of Nevers. There’s architecture from centuries gone by as well as the French landscape to admire, with Nevers a small, quaint town to enjoy away from the track.
OFF-TRACK ENTERTAINMENT: plenty to do at the Paddock Show
As well as hosting the podium celebrations, the Paddock Show is your chance to take part in interactive activities or be close to the stage for meet and greet sessions with riders from WorldSBK, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300.
THE WEATHER CAN PLAY HAVOC: pack for all seasons
Now with a September date, there’s less chance of rain impacting the weekend, but there’s still a chance. As they say in motorsport, rain is the great leveller so if it does rain, prepare for an on-track surprise or two; even if it does stay dry, there’s a chance of a shock too.
OVERTAKING CHANCES GALORE: action guaranteed…
Magny-Cours has plenty of overtaking opportunities, from the Turn 5 Adelaide hairpin to the Nurburgring and Imola chicanes, plus the 180-degree Turn 9. Turn 1 can be used with a good run out of the finale chicane, while expect passes at Chateaux d’Eau and the Lycee hairpin too.
Don’t miss out on Magny-Cours – get your tickets for the French Round HERE!
Source: WorldSBK.com