Following extensive medical checks and assessments, both Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Ducati) and Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) have been passed fit to ride at Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”. Petrucci, who suffered an accident whilst participating in Motocross training prior to the Assen Round, has been slowly recovering, and has now been passed fit, at least to participate in FP1 on Friday morning. Team HRC’s Lecuona suffered injuries to his right knee following an FP3 crash at Assen.
Lecuona has now been passed fit to participate in Round 4 of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, whilst Italian Petrucci will be reassessed after the FP1 session on Friday to see if he can continue throughout the weekend,
To watch all the action from Misano and beyond, use the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Round 4 of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is here! The majestic Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”. A regular fixture on the WorldSBK calendar, the iconic Italian circuit always provides plenty of drama. To enhance your experience of watching the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, check out the key stats from the 2023 visit.
Round three of the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup will take place this weekend at the Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli where many Italian wildcards will join the line-up in the highly competitive class and enjoy the atmosphere of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock.
After a long break of almost two months since the second round in the Netherlands, the R3 bLU cRU riders are raring to go as they prepare to tackle Round 3 at the glorious Italian circuit.
Last time out Spain’s Gonzalo Sanchez came back from a race one crash to take victory in race two after a tense battle with his compatriot Marc Vich. Japan’s Takumi Takahashi secured a maiden podium on Saturday in Assen when he took second place, while long-standing bLU cRU battlers Dawid Nowak and Eduardo Burr also enjoyed solid results over the weekend to climb their way up the championship standings.
Misano World Circuit will also welcome eight wildcards to the R3 entry list, seven Italians and one Dutch rider. Of the home riders, five are being run by the Motoxracing squad, including three female riders: Josephine Bruno, Arianna Barale and Denise Cristina Dal Zotto.
Races 1 and 2 from Misano will be broadcast LIVE on the Yamaha Racing YouTube channel, and on the circuit TV screens at 16:15 CET on Saturday and Sunday respectively. You can also follow all the news via Instagram and the Yamaha website.
California Superbike School is all about teaching students the fundamentals and building from there. The step-by-step method of instruction resulted in measurable improvement throughout the day. (Photos by etechphoto.com)
Like any hobby, sport, or activity, riding a motorcycle gets better as the rider gets better. While nothing quite compares to the initial thrills of early riding days, improving riding skills opens doors to new opportunities, builds confidence, and makes riding safer by reducing panic when unfamiliar situations arise.
NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is just one of 11 tracks in the U.S. that host California Superbike School yearly.
For a while, I’ve been a good enough rider for the type of riding that I do with my family and friends, which is usually relaxed day trips in low-traffic areas. But since I’ve started working as associate editor at Rider, I’ve ridden a variety of bikes in diverse locations alongside very experienced riders, and it’s led me to believe that “good enough” isn’t quite, at least not for me anymore. I want to be a better rider.
My journey to improve my riding starts with the California Superbike School’s Level I class, which I attended at the NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Before attending the class and with the help of Cobie Fair of CSS, I graded my current riding on a list of skills using a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most confident. When I revisited my list after the class, I saw definite improvement almost across the board. As I continue to practice what I learned in the class, I’ll return to this brief questionnaire to measure my progress before jumping into Level II.
California Superbike School classes take place rain or shine. Luckily, we had a beautiful day with temps in the mid-80s and sunny skies.
California Superbike School: First School of Its Kind
California Superbike School was created by Keith Code in 1980 as the first of its kind track school, and it was based on the techniques and concepts that Code used to coach professional racers. Code has a long list of champions that he’s trained, and although his son, Dylan, runs the day-to-day aspects of CSS now, Keith was present when I attended the class, chatting with students and overseeing the program.
CSS founder Keith Code (right) addresses students at the beginning of the day. His son, Dylan (center), now runs California Superbike School’s day-to-day operations.
The school is divided into four levels. Those new to CSS start at Level I, regardless of experience or skill set. Levels II and III build on the techniques taught in Level I, while Level IV is a more tailored class that coaches individual students based on their unique needs. Each level can be completed in a day, and two-day camps are available.
Pricing is the same for each level, and you can choose to rent one of CSS’s track bikes, or you can save a couple hundred dollars by bringing your own bike. One-day classes are $845 to rent a bike and $645 if you bring your own. That’s a significant investment, but the class was well worth the price for me. If I’m willing to invest in gear to protect myself while riding, investing in myself to become a better and safer rider is a no-brainer.
The BMW S 1000 RR is the standard rental bike at California Superbike School. Although I rented a smaller BMW G 310 R for the day, the students who rode the S 1000 RR said they enjoyed the bike.
California Superbike School: Gotta Start Somewhere
Before the class, I used my questionnaire to grade myself after a ride close to home. Skills included setting the correct entry speed for a corner, quickly steering the bike to avoid unexpected obstacles, steady throttle use throughout the corner, choosing a good line through a decreasing radius corner, and others. Knowing I didn’t quite panic in these situations as I did in my early riding days, I felt like I was at least above a 1 rating on most of these skills, but not much beyond that, so I gave a grade of 2. By the end of the class, I confidently bumped my score up to a 2.5 or 3 on many skills on the list, and I expect those levels to continue to rise.
When asked who in the class was returning for the second day of the two-day camp, the majority raised their hands.
Upon arriving bright and early on the day of the class, I signed up at the registration table in the paddock, where coaches were greeting students and snacks, coffee, and water were available. The BMW S 1000 RR bikes rented by the school for the class were lined up outside the paddock. Knowing I’d be more comfortable on a smaller bike, I had called ahead to reserve a BMW G 310 R for myself.
When it was time to get started, we headed into the classroom for a safety presentation and an explanation about how the day would go. The coaches and instructors introduced themselves, and they explained that we would be divided into three levels for the rest of the day.
This was not only my first time at a track school; it was also my first time on a track! Now I understand why many riders enjoy track days.
Throughout the day, we stayed with our assigned group. Level I had six students including myself, and each level covered five lessons throughout the day. Each lesson started with a few minutes in the classroom, followed by a 20-minute track session to practice the exercise explained in the classroom. Right after the track session, we’d meet with our coaches to talk about the session and our individual progress on that lesson. Each group rotated through these three steps, so while our group was in the classroom, another group was on the track, and the other one was talking with their coaches. This system kept everything running smoothly, and it kept the track and other areas from becoming too crowded.
Seeing the checkered flag signaling the end of the session was my least favorite part of each session, but I looked forward to meeting with my coach to get feedback on how I could improve in the next session.
California Superbike School: Diving In
Our first lesson was about throttle control. To start, Dylan Code, the Level I instructor that day, asked our class a few questions to gauge our understanding of throttle control and address any misconceptions. He used a white board to write out and draw concepts as he explained, and he also used photos and videos of both professional racers and CSS coaches that demonstrated correct throttle control. In each lesson, Dylan broke down the basic science behind the technique in a way that was simple enough to understand and paired that knowledge with real-world examples.
Dylan Code was the Level I instructor for our class. He used a white board and a TV displaying videos and graphics to help us understand each lesson. (Photo by the author.)
As we lined our bikes up to begin our first track session, our on-track coaches introduced themselves. My coach was Lyle, and since we had a smaller group, I was his only Level I student. Even with larger class sizes, each coach will only have 2-3 students per group, which is also why it’s important to register early, as space is limited. Registering a few months in advance is the best way to ensure you’ll get a spot.
The BMW G 310 R was a great choice for me. I was able to comfortably focus on each exercise rather than worry about riding a larger bike. Most of the students in my group trailered their personal bikes to ride during the class.
Lyle explained that he’d watch me while trackside to observe how I was doing on the track with the throttle control exercise. Then he’d catch up to me and follow me to observe my progress. After following me for a few turns, he’d ride in front of me and use hand signals to communicate what I should be doing with the throttle.
Wanting to become a better rider, I attended Level I of California Superbike School with five other dedicated students.
When I started following Lyle’s hand signals as a guide to using the throttle, the classroom lesson began clicking into place, and I began to understand not just the concept of throttle control but also the feeling of correct throttle control. At each corner, my throttle usage smoothed out, and I was better able to judge a good entry speed that wouldn’t require me to make panicked adjustments in the middle of the corners. Before long, we were heading off the track and toward our coaching session.
When our group lined up before the first session, our individual coaches came out to introduce themselves and explain how they would help us with the throttle control exercise.
I met Lyle in the paddock at a table with a map of the track. Lyle made it clear that his job was to make me a better rider and asked how I felt and what I wanted to focus on. He used a dry-erase marker to mark turns where I was doing well and turns that needed improvement. He told me that in our next session, I should focus on smoothing out two particular turns and gave me advice on how to do that. After grabbing some snacks and water in the paddock, it was back to the classroom for the second lesson.
By following my coach, Lyle, I was able to get a better understanding of the right way to do the exercises.
California Superbike School: Step By Step
The lessons continued in a similar way, each one adding concepts and exercises and building on the lessons before. We were told to use no brakes at first and reintroduce brakes in a later session, again slowly adding in extra things without overwhelming students with too much to remember at once.
Lyle and I meet up in the paddock to discuss the session over a dry-erase map of the track on the table.
Once we got into the second half of the day, I told Lyle I was having a hard time choosing the best line at each corner, so although we continued working on the lessons from the classroom, we also worked on choosing lines. He marked a couple of turns where he noticed I would turn in too late or too early, and then on the track, he signaled by pointing to the ground where I should begin the turns and where I should apex. Having this visual cue was a great help, and it felt fantastic to see my lines improving after each session.
My coach, Lyle, points to the apex of the turn ahead of me to help me find my line.
Five sessions after the start of the day, it was 5 p.m. and time to get off the track. We were each given a folder with brief explanations of our levels’ lessons, a completion certificate, and more information about the school.
An instructor demonstrates lessons on a bike in the paddock. Later in the day, these students sat on the bike while the instructor guided them on body positioning.
My day at California Superbike School was everything I wanted. The step-by-step system of lessons gave me the tools to continue improving without feeling overwhelmed, and I ended the day tired but excited by my progress. The coaches told me that I’d learn more about visuals and body positioning in Level II, and I’d get the chance to try out some of their specialized training bikes.
By the end of the day, I was feeling confident in my progress and excited to return for Level II in the future.
This step in my journey to becoming a better rider covered more distance than most. Now it’s time to put in the work and practice what I’ve learned – not a bad way to spend my summer evenings.
Learn more about California Superbike School, view the schedule, and register for a class at the CSS website.
The BMW R 12 nineT merges classic flash with modern dash.
The 2024 BMW R 12 nineT is the latest addition to BMW’s storied lineup of heritage motorcycles, blending classic design elements with modern technology and performance. This classically styled roadster helps celebrate the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad.
The horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine is as synonymous with BMW as V-Twins are with Harley-Davidsons. The boxer is a BMW hallmark, long known for its distinctive aesthetic and linear power delivery. A 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer is proudly on display in the R 12 nineT.
The R 12 nineT looks stunning, especially in its San Remo Green Metallic colorway, a $325 option over the standard Black Storm Metallic. The sculpted aluminum front fender mount is a nice touch.
The R nineT was introduced in 2013, capturing the attention of riders who wanted the appearance of a vintage cafe racer but with modern performance and capabilities. More than 110,000 have been shuffled out of BMW dealers.
For 2024, the model has changed names to include a displacement reference, the “12” added to this R 12 nineT. With a new exhaust and different tuning, the low-slung boxer produces 107 hp and is fitted into a new one-piece frame. The chassis is shared with the new R 12 cruiser ($12,345), which is detuned to 95 hp to satisfy European A2 license requirements. Both engines have identical torque curves below 6,000 rpm.
The R 12 nineT’s exhaust system has new header pipes with a crossover tube pumping burned gases to a chamber below the engine that houses the catalytic converter, now with a lambda sensor after the cat to help meet Euro 5 regulations.
The R 12 nineT starts at $16,990 including its $695 destination fee. Adding optional equipment can quickly vault MSRP. The Select Package adds $1,524 to the price and includes an up/down quickshifter, cruise control, heated grips, Hill Start Assist Pro, and Connected Ride Control with a Bluetooth interface.
A new steel-trellis frame replaces the previous two-piece frame, eliminating some fasteners and slightly reducing its weight, also resulting in a cleaner appearance. The subframe is detachable to enable customization.
Forking over another $2,275 accesses the delectable Option 719 package. It features a red frame and is capped off brilliantly by a brushed finish on the aluminum fuel tank, windscreen, rear fender, and a tail hump (a $1,020 option on its own). It also features a slathering of machined billet-aluminum components, including cylinder head covers, adjustable hand and foot controls, bar-end mirrors, and expansion-tank cover, plus a different seat and exhaust system.
The optional aluminum tailpiece helps create one of the nicest butts on a production motorcycle. The turnsignal lamps serve double duty as taillights to keep the rear end tidy.
But wait, there’s more! A minimalist 3.5-inch TFT instrument panel can be added for $145, but BMW wanted to give buyers the choice to opt for the newly designed twin round analog gauges, which are perhaps more appropriate for the retro-inspired nineT. Tubeless wire-spoke wheels are a $695 option to replace the standard cast-aluminum hoops, if that’s the look you prefer.
All versions of the nineT include keyless ignition, an IMU to inform traction control and cornering ABS, ride modes (Dynamic, Road, and Rain), full LED lighting, a USB-C charging port, and a 12-volt outlet.
The R 12 nineT has a minimalist TFT instrument panel.
BMW R 12 nineT | Test Ride
The assemblage of nineTs sitting in front of our Spanish hotel looked marvelous, especially with the aluminum tail humps blending with the fuel tank’s bare aluminum sides. The bikes look both classy and classic.
The controls might appear befuddling, but BMW’s system is fairly easy to defuddle.
With a 31.3-inch seat height, the nineT is fairly easy to straddle and hold its 485-lb curb weight upright. Its 4.2-gallon tank is 1.2 inches shorter and is also narrower between the knees than it was previously to position the rider closer to the handlebar. The riding position is sporty but not punishing, a good compromise for a cafe racer such as this. The digital instrument panel fitted to our bikes is tiny but usable.
The R 12 nineT presents a shape unique in motorcycling. The stacked pair of mufflers with conical end caps is a new feature for the 2024 model.
Firing up the engine is accompanied by the customary opposed-Twin twinge that rocks the bike to the right, with the new exhaust system emitting the traditional boxer blat. It’s not mellifluous but sounds somewhat authoritative.
The linear powerband avails its rider with good grunt regardless of engine speed, and it really comes alive in the midrange. Max torque of 85 lb-ft hits at 6,500 rpm, and its 107 hp peak arrives at 7,000 revs with another 1,500 rpm of rev-ability before hitting the redline at 8,500 rpm. Owners will want to burn premium-grade fuel, as I heard hints of preignition pinging when applying large throttle inputs in taller gears.
A traditional-looking round headlight adds retro charm but holds a modern LED lamp with integrated LED running lights.
The nineT continues to use a single-plate dry clutch, which can be overwhelmed if a rider slips it excessively, and it demands a fairly heavy pull despite its hydraulic actuation. Gearbox action feels vintage compared to most modern transmissions, requiring considerable lever travel to engage the next gear. BMW’s Shift Assist Pro is available for the first time on a nineT, but it swaps gears with lurches unbecoming of a premium roadster like this. For smoothest gearchanges, I did them manually.
A new fuel tank allows a rider to snuggle up closer to the handlebar for improved front-end feedback.
A wide handlebar supplies decent leverage to overcome a lazy 27.7-degree rake angle with 4.4 inches of trail and a long 59.5-inch wheelbase. As sporty as the nineT is, it’s not exceptionally agile, which made me wonder if the standard steering damper is necessary. Adding input through your feet is somewhat thwarted by slippery footpegs.
Suspension action from the fully adjustable 45mm inverted fork is excellent. The rear damper – also with 4.7 inches of travel – was reangled to perform better without a linkage and uses travel-dependent damping. The shaft-drive arrangement adds weight compared to a chain, which makes the rear end less responsive when absorbing bumps. A hydraulic preload adjuster knob is conveniently located near the rider’s right knee, while the adjustable rebound damping screw is on the shock.
Whether hunting for apexes or cappuccinos, the R 12 nineT will get you there in style.
When riding a debonair bike like the nineT, a rider wants to look smooth, but throttle reapplication from a closed throttle can be abrupt, and I experienced an excessive amount of engine braking during deceleration. On the plus side, the radially mounted 4-piston monoblock calipers and twin 310mm floating rotors do a fine job of shedding the levels of speed the nineT is capable of achieving.
BMW R 12 nineT | Back to the Barn
I felt conflicted about the R 12 nineT while riding it back to the hotel. It’s a special machine, no doubt, and it harks back to classic motorcycle designs with its minimalist and elegant lines. I sincerely appreciate its form factor and could imagine it sparkling in my personal garage.
The R 12 nineT glowing at golden hour, presenting an alluring profile for Beemerphiles.
On the other hand, its powertrain feels anachronistic, which came into sharp relief by riding the scintillating M 1000 XR on the same day. The nineT feels decidedly old-school, and it makes this reviewer want to paint it with the same brush as when reviewing older Moto Guzzis, highlighting the bike’s character-rich personality and overlooking its flaws.
The R 12 nineT stands out as a beautifully crafted motorcycle that pays homage to BMW’s rich heritage while incorporating modern technology. With its blend of classic aesthetics and advanced features, the nineT offers both character and capability. It won’t be the most cost-effective bike in your garage, but it might be your favorite.
Under the seat is a redesigned airbox that leads to the cylinders via a channel covered by drilled aluminum shields. This bike has the optional wire-spoke wheels fitted.
As a World Championship, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is now entering middle age. It’s moved from being the fresh upstart in 1988 trying to redefine what a Championship could be. Two races on a Sunday with production bikes created an easy narrative of “race on Sunday, sell on Monday.” It moved into adolescence in the Foggy Era, with rowdy fans on sun-soaked banks at Assen or Brands Hatch cheering on their heroes.
THROUGH THE YEARS: WorldSBK’s different eras
The teenage years saw one of the best title deciders in any Championship; Imola 2002. No need for any more to be said. After that, WorldSBK had a difficult time. Trying to separate itself from MotoGP™ has provided challenges during the four-stroke era of Grand Prix racing. The Jonathan Rea-Kawasaki era showed the power of man and machine but over the last five years the series has entered a new period.
The era of parity. Regulations have been written to bring balance to the Championship. There will always be inherit advantages for one bike over another but now the rider is making the difference again. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) has shown this with the BMW M 1000 RR and his incredible performances in Barcelona and at Assen. The Turkish superstar is the man of the moment in WorldSBK; he has a talent unlike any other and he proves that the man on the machine is still the defining characteristic in racing.
THE CURRENT SITUATION: a title fight and questions about the future
Sitting six points behind Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), winner of the last two titles, heading into Misano shows that Toprak means business. This is typically the stretch of circuits that suit his style. Misano, Donington and Most are all places where he’ll feel he can make a difference. Will it be enough to overturn the deficit? Time will tell but he’s ready and aiming for three wins this weekend. Bautista is fighting for his life in WorldSBK at the moment. He might be leading the Championship but two race wins from nine isn’t the strike rate he expects, nor experienced last year. A home round for Ducati brings with it pressure and this is a big weekend for him. With question marks about his future and a possible retirement, it will be imperative to win races this weekend.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is hot on his heels. Winner at the opening race of the year, the Italian is third in the standings. Is he the heir to Bautista? He wasn’t expected to be, but fate has played its hand and the WorldSSP Champion has looked a class act. Superpole speed has been impressive from Bulega and with Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) trying to stake his claim to the Aruba.it seat, it should be a good battle between them. Throw into the mix Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing), Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and the wildcarding Michele Pirro (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and it could be an ominous weekend for the Bologna manufacturer.
YAMAHA AND KAWASAKI’S CHARGE: who will lead their fight?
Who will lead the Yamaha charge? So far in 2024, it’s been Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) but teammate Jonathan Rea made steps at the recent Misano test. It’s been a miserable year for Rea, but circumstances have played a part too. He needs to find some form and start proving his decision to switch to Yamaha wasn’t a foolish one. It won’t be easy to turn around his fortunes but it’s certainly a story to keep an eye on. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and teammate Dominique Aegerter should also be strong at the GRT Yamaha squad’s home round.
Rea left Kawasaki after a hugely successful stint together. He has had to watch on as the green machines have made progress over the winter. Now is the time for Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) to prove himself at the Provec Racing-run outfit. With a contract option for 2025 expected to be exercised, he will be part of the exciting Bimota project next year. Results in Superpole have been lacking, so one-lap speed on Saturday morning will be the key to his home round. Teammate Alex Lowes, winner of two races in Australia, will know Misano will be a tough round so top fives would be a sign of another strong weekend.
WORLD SUPERSPORT: a first-time winner on the cards?
In the FIM Supersport World Championship, the change to the Next Generation regulations has certainly created an interesting dynamic in recent years. This year though, the show has moved on with four riders separated by just two points following six races of action. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) and Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) have been boom or bust riders while Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), who crashed at the recent test, is the steady rider collecting points. The Bavarian is chasing his first victory, and it could easily come this weekend.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY: how to master WorldSSP300
In WorldSSP300, the form of riders is always interesting. On your good weekends, you need to take podiums and on your bad weekends you need to be inside the top six. Petr Svoboda (RT-Motorsport by SKM – Kawasaki) and Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) hit those notes, but both know that winning races is what’s required of them. Last time out, Dani Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) won both races and the he’ll be out to continue his impressive start to the season. Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing) and Matteo Vannucci (AG Motorsport Italia Team) know they need to get their stuttering campaigns off the ground this weekend.
A NEW ERA BEGINS: the debut WorldWCR round
Misano also marks the first round of the new FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship. With a full field, it’s important to have riders like Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) and Maria Herrara (Klint Forward Factory Team) on the grid to set the mark for what we can expect from the rest of the grid. Overall, the WorldSBK paddock looks to be in great shape as we get ready for the start of the summer season.
DON’T MISS OUT: watch every moment from Misano LIVE and UNINTERRUPTED using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
With action coming ever closer to resuming in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, excitement and anticipation continues to build for the new FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship. With history inching ever closer to being made, riders of both the MotoGP™ and WorldSBK paddocks, many of whom grew up alongside the women making history, offered their support, as well as some personal anecdotes along the way.
“I KNOW SHE CAN DO REALLY WELL”: Maria Herrera highly rated
One of the brightest prospects in the new WorldWCR Championship is Spaniard Maria Herrera, a highly accomplished competitor across multiple different competitions, including a fourth-place finish in the FIM CEV Repsol series in 2014. Herrera also has several high-profile supporters across the paddocks. Reigning WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista spoke in glowing terms about Herrera, saying: “I have a really, really good friend there; her name is Maria Herrera. We have trained together many times, and I know how much potential she has. I know she can do really well.” Ex-MotoGP™ World Champion Fabio Quartararo also sang the praises of Herrera and referenced the fact that the two used to be JuniorGP teammates. The Frenchman said: “In Jerez in 2014, she overtook me on the final corner to the finishing straight to win. She showed the potential that women have to be there.”
“I WILL BE CHEERING FOR HER!”: Bezzecchi and Bagnaia talk Ponziani and Neila
Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team rider Marco Bezzecchi spoke about compatriot Roberta Ponziani. Recollecting about past experiences racing his fellow Italian, Bezzecchi said: “I was racing with Roberta in Minibikes in the Italian Championship. She’s a very good rider. I remember having some battles with her; she was very tough! I admire her, and I will be cheering for her!” Bezzecchi and fellow Italian, Ducati Lenovo Team MotoGP rider and reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Francesco Bagnaia also discussed Beatriz Neila and the impact she can have on this championship. Bezzecchi said: “I met her at the Mastercamp. We raced against each other at the (VR46) Ranch. She was quick as well!” Bagnaia also edified Neila’s talent, saying: “I remember her racing in the 100km. Her feeling on the bike was very good.”
“SHE WAS AT A SUPER GOOD LEVEL”: Marc Marquez praises Ongaro
French native Ornella Ongaro is one of the most accomplished riders taking their place in this new Championship. With over fifty career podiums to her name, as well as forty victories. She also won the FFM Women’s Cup in 2016. And she has also previously raced against a true modern legend. Gresini Racing MotoGP’s Marc Marquez was asked about Ongaro’s chances in the Championship, and he had this to say: “She was competing, and she was at a super good level. We were competing with the 50cc street bikes, and in most of the races, I won the race, and she finished second. She was super-fast, and I wish to her very good luck.”
“SOMETIMES SHE KICKS MY BUTT”: Riders praise Ana Carrasco
Ana Carrasco is arguably the highest profile member of this new WorldWCR Championship. She most famously won the WorldSSP300 Championship in 2018, drawing widespread acclaim from the entirety of the motorsport world. Riders across both paddocks have been heaping praise on the Spaniard, too. Aprilia star Maverick Vinales discussed growing up with Carrasco, as well as her impact: “I have good memories with Ana. When I won the title (in 2013), Ana was a really good teammate. I remember Phillip Island, when she qualified fourth – it was very impressive. I also remember when she won the WorldSSP 300; that was a statement, because I think it was the beginning of where we’ve come to now.” Kawasaki Racing Team’s Alex Lowes also discussed Carrasco’s abilities, saying: “She’s really, really fast. We’ve done training together in Barcelona, and sometimes she kicks my butt on the flat-track and on the small bikes!”
“WE NEED MORE AMERICANS… COOL TO HAVE TWO WOMEN FROM SOUTH AFRICA”: Riders on global presence
Riders representing the other corners of the globe discussed having representation within the WorldWCR. OnlyFans American Racing Team star Joe Roberts and Bonovo Action BMW’s Garrett Gerloff discussed the impact of having Malory Dobbs in the Championship. Californian Roberts said: “I met Malory in COTA; she’s a super nice person! She raced in MotoAmerica Supersport. We need more Americans over here, so to have her here with the American flag is awesome.” Texas’ own Gerloff echoed those sentiments, saying: “I know she’s really motivated to get to the top. She’s got to wave that American flag high so, come on now!”
Like the Americans, South African brothers Brad and Darryn Binder talked having Nicole van Aswegen and Jessica Howden in the Championship. Talking about Nicole, Brad had this to say: “I’ve known Nicole for a long time. We started racing together on 50ccs in South Africa, and we pretty much stepped up the classes together. She’s really fast, and I’m sure she can do a really good job.” Darryn spoke about the impact of his country being represented, saying: “It’s really cool to have two women from South Africa in this new Championship, and I hope they can bring home some good results.”
Moto3 Colombian superstar David Alonso and current MotoGP™ Championship leader Jorge Martin spoke about Colombia’s Sarah Varon, and were full of praise for her. Alonso said: “It’s nice that a Colombian girl is in the Championship. She has the skills, and we will support her in all the races.” Likewise, Prima Pramac Racing’s Martin recollected growing up with Varon, saying: “Of course, great memories of that time; everyone was good friends and I remember spending a lot of time with Sara. I remember that race and she was super strong! She was always battling, and I think she finished in the top three of the Championship as well. Her level is quite good and I think this Championship will be super nice to watch.”
Make sure to watch history being made at Misano with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Welcome to the 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, the first season of a new chapter in the history of not just motorsport but the wider sporting sphere for women. 25 riders representing 18 countries and six continents will battle over 12 races in what is a Championship that won’t just see a rider crowned WorldWCR Champion but will inspire more women around the world to enjoy the sport we love. It all starts at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” in Italy.
THE STARS OF THE SHOW: 25 riders see dreams become reality
One of the preseason favourites is Ana Carrasco, with the 2018 WorldSSP300 Champion being one of the obvious tips for success given her prior experience in World Championship action. She was fastest in testing but Italian hopeful Roberta Ponziani – who grew up racing minibikes against the likes of MotoGP™ winner Marco Bezzecchi – kept her honest and was P2 at the Cremona test. Third in testing was Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team), a top ten finisher in WorldSSP300 before and now, having grown up racing the likes of MotoGP™ stars Fabio Quartararo and Jorge Martin, gets the chance to prove herself in the first year of WorldWCR action. Four-time European champion Beatriz Neila (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) is likewise one to keep an eye on whilst Czech sensation Adela Ourednickova was fast in testing too. German star Lucy Michel (TSL-Racing) was likewise in the top three in testing after the first day and aims to use her national experience to put herself in contention. Whilst not at the tests, both Emily Bondi (YART Zelos Black Knights Team) and Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Racing) can be expected to be fast from the start too.
One of two South Africans, Jessica Howden’s (Team Trasimeno) dream of World Championship racing is realised, whilst from Australia and a familiar face to many, Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport) has already enjoyed a strong start in testing, making history by topping the first ever session. There was a true international mix rounding out the top ten in testing as American Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) and Chilean Isis Carreno (AD78 Latinoamerica by Team GP3) featured strongly; Dobbs’ background is in MotoAmerica Supersport whilst the #99 of Carreno has raced in WorldSSP300 and a myriad of continental races in South America. Mallorcan Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) is tipped for a strong season whilst the second South African ion the grid is Nicole van Aswegen (Andalaft Racing), who came up through the national South African championships alongside Brad and Darryn Binder.
Ran Yochay (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) brings Israel into the WorldWCR paddock and is their leading light for 2024, whilst there’s a throwback name by the way of Ornella Ongaro (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team), with the French lady having grown up on pocket bikes with none other than eight-time MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez – who remembers those days. Representing Chinese Taipei, Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) is the oldest competitor on the grid but was fast during testing, whereas Mexico’s Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) is back in World Championship action. Austria has Lena Kemmer (Bertl K. Racing Team) who debuts in World Championship action, along with Japan’s Luna Hirano (Team Luna) and Ukraine’s Iryna Nadieieva (MPS.RT).
One story to follow will be that of Andrea Sibaja (Deza – Box 77 Racing Team), who as well as racing in WorldWCR, will manage the team in WorldSSP300. Britain’s Alyssia Whitmore (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team), Norway’s Mia Rusthen (Rusthen Racing) and Colombia’s Sara Varon (OTALIKA Racing FIMLA) complete the permanent riders on the grid, although Varon – the youngest rider on the grid at 18-years-old won’t be racing at Misano due to an injury and is replaced by the first-ever Dominican rider to race in the WorldSBK paddock, Krystal Silfa.
HOW TO WATCH: races free on YouTube
The main way to watch the 12 races of action wherever you are will be the Official WorldWCR YouTube channel, with races being shown there during each round. Simultaneously, races will be able to be enjoyed ad-free on the WorldSBK VideoPass, along with WorldSBK, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300 action. On TV, you’ll be covered too, with comprehensive coverage all over the world ensuring the historic first season gets to as many people as possible; check out this link to get a full run-down by each country and territory of how to watch besides YouTube and the WorldSBK VideoPass.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY: keep up with WorldWCR action across social networks
From behind the scenes content, raw emotion, instant reaction and all kinds of conversation, WorldWCR’s Official social media platforms will be the hub for fans, teams and riders alike; key moments, main stories and all the off-track happenings can be followed across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and of course YouTube, where Tissot Superpole and the full races will be FREE TO AIR!
Two rounds done and dusted and there’s still six to go – that’s 12 races of head-to-head, all-out, gloves-off battling in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship and the next instalment comes from the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” in Italy. History oozes over the hillsides in Emilia-Romagna and after three different winners in 2024, WorldSSP300’s third chapter of the season will yield more memories to behold this year.
MOGEDA LEADS THE CHARGE: will Misano bring another changing of the guard?
Assen was the scene of joy and elation for Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki), who took a historic double victory for the Irish team and is thus the Championship leader. The #88 has 63 points arriving to Italy but Misano hasn’t been a track too kind to him before, giving him just two points with 14th last year. Six points behind and ready to pounce if the opportunity arises, Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki), a race winner already this year, has been strong in the past at Misano but still chases a first podium at the track. It’s a Spanish 1-2 in the Championship but third belongs to Iglesias’ teammate and multiple winner Petr Svoboda. The #53 has 53 points and is one of the few riders on the grid to have been on the Misano podium with third last year.
VENEMAN COMING STRONG: after a slow start, the 17-year-old found his feet at home
A return to form at Assen means Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) has fourth place in the standings and is another rider who featured well at Misano last season, taking a career-first top five in fourth. Following on from a first podium of the year at home in the Netherlands in Race 2 with P2, can he go one better this weekend? One of just a handful of riders to have scored points in all four races so far, Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) will take to Misano for the first time in WorldSSP300 where he’ll aim to continue his points-scoring run and remain as top Yamaha, whereas brother Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) makes it two Indonesians in the top six and heads to a track where he was on pole at in 2018.
YAMAHA, KOVE AND KTM: fighting to catch Kawasaki
ARCO SASH MotoR University Team duo Samuel Di Sora and Unai Calatayud are P7 and P8 as Yamaha’s charge to catch Kawasaki continues; Di Sora was on the rostrum at Misano back in 2021 but seeks to add to his Yamaha podium tally. Behind those two Yamahas, a third one is in ninth place with Italian star Marco Gaggi (Team BrCorse), who looked to improve his top ten consistency in 2024 and so far, has finished in the top ten in all races; P7 and P6 at Misano last year are good results to welcome him back to his home round. Rounding out the top ten, Julio Garcia (Kove Racing Team) will hope his luck changes – having lost his pole in Barcelona, a crash and not being eligible to restart Race 1 at Assen and then a time penalty for exceeding track limits in Assen’s Race 2. Can he and Kove continue to show their 2024 form and bag a result that reflects their progress? Waiting to be declared fit for the round but otherwise making it all four manufacturers inside the top 11, Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing) should be a welcome return to racing action this weekend after his home round crash.
WORTHY MENTIONS: home heroes, surprises and looking to bounce back at Round 3
After last year’s stunning show, Bruno Ieraci (Team ProDina Kawasaki) aims to replicate his double that he achieved as a wildcard, whilst leading a race for the first time at Assen, Elia Bartolini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team) hopes to shine at home. Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki) has had a rather slow start to life with Kawasaki but has his sights on a home round to remember. Phillip Tonn (Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing) enjoyed one of his best rounds at Assen whilst Jose Manuel Osuna (DEZA-BOX 77 Racing Team), Fenton Seabright (Kawasaki GP Project), David Salvador (MS Racing) and Kevin Fontainha (Yamaha AD78 FIM LA by MS Racing) are all seeking to get in the Misano mix. There are two wildcards too: Nicola Plazzi (MGIM Corse) and Matteo Bonetti (MRT Corse), both looking to follow in Bruno Ieraci’s shoes from last year.
EVERY RACE LIVE: don’t miss the action throughout 2024 with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
With the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heading to the iconic Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” for Round 4 of the 2024 season, Pirelli have unveiled their tyre solutions for the upcoming round. The field will have two new development tyres to test, one at the front and one at the rear, while there’s also a new front solution for the WorldSSP field at the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round.
AT THE REAR: new development SCX tyre
The rear tyre is one where Pirelli have been innovating all season, with the introduction of the C0900 SCX tyre. Now, there’s a new development SCX tyre, named the D0339. Compared to the standard tyre, it has a different carcass and compound, designed to maintain the current grip levels at maximum lean angles while also increasing traction and speed when cornering and offering more protection against wear. Other solutions for the rear include the standard SCX super soft and the SC0 soft. The SCQ is also at Misano, with its use as usual limited to Free Practice sessions, the Tissot Superpole session and the Tissot Superpole Race.
NEW FRONT DEVELOPMENT: new SC1 front solution
At the front, Pirelli have also brought a new solution in the SC1 medium compound. The D0279 retains the same compound as the standard SC1 but has a slightly different carcass with the aim of offering greater stability and precision. The other solution at the front, alongside the two SC1 tyres, is the standard SC2 hard tyre, providing teams and riders with medium and hard compounds to deal with all of Misano’s technicalities.
WORLD SUPERSPORT DEVELOPMENTS: a new front solution
In WorldSSP, there’s a new development soft solution. The D0444 joins the standard SC1 tyre and, when compared, offers the same compound but a differing carcass. The idea is to provide greater stability and precision. The two SC1 tyres are joined by the standard SC2 medium at the front. At the rear, it’s only standard solutions available. The super soft SCX tyre and the soft SC0 tyre are the two choices for the World Supersport field.
PIRELLI SAYS: “we decided to debut some innovations in line with our philosophy of continuous development”
Discussing the tyre solutions, Pirelli’s Motorcycle Racing Director Giorgio Barbier said: “For the Emilia-Romagna Round, we decided to debut some innovations in line with our philosophy of continuous development of new solutions to improve the range year after year. For the WorldSBK class, we are continuing the work on the SCX at the rear to improve its corner speed and protection from wear, while preserving the grip performance at maximum lean that the standard solution already offers. On the front, we are working in both classes to evolve the SC1 specification towards greater support in terms of stability and precision. We know the Misano circuit well, therefore for us it is the ideal ground for making data comparisons. Starting from this round we will also be engaged in another beautiful adventure, the one that will see us alongside the girls of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship for which we will be the sole tyre supplier. We enthusiastically embraced this initiative because we share its values of inclusion and openness. The riders have already done a test in Cremona a couple of weeks ago, where they started to become familiar with the SC1 compounds they have allocated for the front and rear. Now, it’s the time for their official debut in race: I send them all my best wishes for this first season!”
Follow every single moment from Misano in style using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
