The music has started and at the moment, there are plenty of seats ready and waiting, but that is guaranteed to change. As the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is three rounds out of 12 into the season, the European leg is well underway and with that comes plenty of market talks. From futures hanging in the balance and at a cross-roads to the majority of the field looking to strike a deal for next year, we summarise the situation with what we know so far.
SIGNED. SEALED. DONE DEAL: future secured for…
One rider on the current grid has a contract for 2024 and that is the most successful World Superbike rider of all-time, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK). The six-time World Champion inked a two-year contract extension in 2022 which sees him through 2023 and until the close of 2024. However, his teammate is not decided for 2024 yet.
HOLDING THE CARDS: Bautista and Razgatlioglu are potential changes
Reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is in his second season back in Ducati, having signed a one-year extension in 2022. However, Bautista teased his future during the Pirelli Dutch Round at Assen, saying that he “doesn’t have a clear idea” about 2024. In his Sunday debrief, he stated that he would “take a decision” after the third round, and that “personal life is becoming more special and more important” with his wife and two daughters, as the latter grow up.
In blue, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) is arguably one of the riders who holds all of the cards; his MotoGP™ test at Jerez in April was impressive, with him being just 1.7s off Dani Pedrosa and KTM at top spot, whilst he was 0.6s behind Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow. Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director commented that Toprak was one of the “prime candidates” for the factory MotoGP™ should current rider Franco Morbidelli’s form not improve, whilst Razgatlioglu himself has confirmed that a move to MotoGP™ is a “dream” in 2024. Toprak’s manager, five-time WorldSSP Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, stated that the 2021 World Champion “wasn’t built” for MotoGP™ and that he believes that Razgatlioglu will remain in World Superbike. Sofuoglu also spoke to Italian media, stating that his ideal situation would be to renew with Yamaha in WorldSBK, with a decision made by Barcelona, but that two other factories are interested.
OTHER FACTORY SEATS: what’s the situation so far?
Let’s start with the reigning World Champions, Ducati: Alvaro Bautista looks set to continue with them or step away from racing for more time with his family, with a decision to be reached by Barcelona. So, what about his current teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi? Rinaldi signed a one-year extension in 2022 for this year and was the final factory rider confirmed. Last year, Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) made it clear he wanted the ride and has stated again that he hopes his rides in 2023 have already caught the attention of factory teams. He’s currently fourth in the standings, Rinaldi lies sixth. Besides that, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) stated that he’d like to get on a factory bike in 2024 and Nicolo Bulega has been impressive in WorldSSP; could he be in-line to move up like those before him who have gone on to win the WorldSSP title?
In the other factories, Alex Lowes’ (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has his contract finish at the end of the 2023 season with Kawasaki, so he is up for renewal. Both Team HRC riders, Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, also have their contract up for renewal at the end of this season. Team boss Leon Camier has always spoke highly of both riders, especially Lecuona’s natural talent and ability to learn new track and ride in low-grip situations. At the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Scott Redding is in his second season of what is a “multiple year” deal, although the length hasn’t been confirmed. For current teammate Michael van der Mark, he stated that he’d like to continue with BMW but his injury at Assen definitely came at the wrong time.
INDEPENDENTS: everyone up for renewal
Like the factory seats up for grabs (besides Jonathan Rea), all Independent riders have a contract for 2023 only. Some are understood to have potential options to remain whilst for others, we await exactly what the situation is. Don’t forget, as the motorcycle racing season evolves, riders from various Championships will be linked to WorldSBK. In 2023, riders joined the grid from MotoGP™, British Superbikes, MotoAmerica, MotoE™ and of course, graduating from World Supersport.
Summarised 2024 rider line-up with 2022 riders confirmed. TBA = to be announced
Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK: Jonathan Rea and TBA
All remaining teams: TBA
A breath-taking season is well underway, watch it all unfold in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Source: WorldSBK.com