The first rider to hit three wins in 2024, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) has stormed into second place in the Championship standings with a mighty Assen win in Race 2. It’s his and BMW’s first at the famed Dutch venue, with a strong start to the season continuing for him and the German manufacturer.

Race 2 looked like it could be a challenge for Toprak on paper, with the 2021 World Champion having to go from P9 on the grid after cold tyre tearing halted his charge in the Superpole Race. However, with a solid start, Toprak was right inside the lead group from the start and on Lap 7, hit the front to give a huge travelling Turkish support what they wanted. However, a rain shower threw the cat amongst the pigeons and soon, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) took turns at the front. However, when the rain went off, Toprak went back into P1 on Lap 16 and stayed their until the end, despite pressure from Bautista in the closing two laps.

IN HIS WORDS: “If you’re really fast, nine positions is not a problem!”

“I felt like in Barcelona but in general, I’m very happy,” began an elated Razgatlioglu. “We did a great job all weekend, especially in Race 2. In the Superpole Race, we used the SCQ tyre like everyone but normally, I thought about using a different tyre but that’s racing. We did a very good job with a Race 2 win; it wasn’t easy but every lap, I pushed really hard! This is my first win at Assen in WorldSBK, also for BMW, so I’m happy for that.”

Speaking about coming back from the third row, the #54 said that it wasn’t that much of an ordeal: “P9 on the grid isn’t really important because if you’re really fast, nine positions is not a problem! At Turn 1, Alex Lowes nearly crashed and I had to close the gas and after, I passed all riders step-by-step. In the race, I felt confident and the engine braking was working – a bit too much, so we need to find the setup. I did a very good pace.”

VICTORY NUMBER 3: “I needed a win this weekend!”

Dealing with the rain wasn’t easy either: “I just closed the gas because I didn’t want to take the risk and I saw Alvaro and just followed him; he has more experience than me. After that, the others came. I forgot about the tear off because I saw everything like it was still raining; after that, I took it off and everything was clean! I started pushing again but it was a very good win! Assen is a strange track and this weekend, the weather has been strange. I’m learning every day and getting experience. I needed a win this weekend!”

Looking to the Championship standings, he’s right in contention and just six points adrift of leader Bautista: “I’m not thinking in the Championship position, just in race-by-race like before. I just want to ride the bike like before, try to enjoy the race and then we’ll see again at Misano. I’m very happy that before Misano, we have a test there and I hope to find a good setup for the race and after, we’ll fight for the win.”

BONGERS IN AWE: “I’m absolutely speechless!”

It’s a home round for Marc Bongers, BMW’s Motorrad Motorsport Director, who is from the Netherlands, meaning the win was even sweeter:   “Being Dutch, it’s even more special but for the entire team, it’s absolutely great! Not just Toprak being fast but also Michael who had a magnificent performance here. It’s a shame he got a penalty so he was sent back to P9. What a weekend again; yesterday, we were in for a win, I’m pretty sure about that but we struggled in the Superpole Race with the tyre. Toprak started from P9 and got it perfect; it was an exciting race to watch in general. To come away from here with a win and to have such a start of the year, I’m absolutely speechless. We bought new stuff here and it was just magnificent. What a feeling, again I’m in tears! Most of the guys are travelling tonight so we have to have the celebration when we have the full success but for sure, I’ll have a couple of drinks with this success! Tomorrow, I’m taking Toprak to Munich to do work on some more details for the next one.”

Speaking about the fans trackside, Bongers was full of praise: “It’s amazing to see; the grandstands here were full with so many Turkish flags. This morning, I tried to concentrate on my laptop a little bit but they were singing, dancing and screaming for Toprak. This is magnificent for the Championship because these people really carry him and it’s a great atmosphere for us and for all the fans here.”

KEYS TO SUCCESS: “You have to have all the parts of the puzzle”

About the process to arriving to contend for wins and podiums, Bongers said: “To become successful in a World Championship, you have to have all the parts of the puzzle with the team and the bike, building it throughout last year, increasing our effort, creating a test team etc. We knew that when we had all these pieces in place, we’d organise the rider allocation, sign Toprak and then it all seems to have come together. We pay a lot of attention to detail; no manufacturer comes to this Championship and wins, it does take years. We’re not at the very top yet but we’re sniffing it, we can smell it, so we need to keep our heads down and move on to the next win.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) ends the Pirelli Dutch Round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship on a positive note after a successful weekend at the TT Circuit Assen. Gardner finished fourth in the Superpole Race, losing out on a podium on the final lap before his dreams came true in Race 2 to finish third after a hard battle.

The Australian started the Superpole Race from sixth on the grid and spent most of the race inside the top five, battling with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha). However, Lowes overtook Gardner at the final chicane on the final lap, forcing the #87 to settle with a fourth place.

This gave Gardner motivation for Race 2. When he fought his way into the podium positions in the early stages of the race, eventually finding himself in second. However, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) soon made his way into second as rain began to fall at Assen. Gardner would hold on to third, finishing ahead of Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) and Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha).

Reflecting on a crazy podium, Gardner said: “Finally, yeah, we have had a really tough last year even though we did speed and glimpses of hope, and the first few races definitely didn’t go to plan even though we showed our speed, just luck wasn’t on our side and hasn’t been in a while. But finally, everything has come together, we have had an amazing weekend and have been fast all weekend. Honestly, I feel like we should have had at least two podiums this weekend, but I can’t complain. I think we have maybe broken the curse and are finally back on the box. It has been two years with this podium drought that has finally come to an end.”

It was a monumental moment for Gardner, who now heads to Misano in eighth place in the WorldSBK standings. After joining WorldSBK in 2023, Gardner finished ninth in the standings with a best result of fourth, leaving the Australian wanting more after moving from the MotoGP paddock.

Speaking about how difficult it has been to achieve a maiden WorldSBK podium, Gardner said: “It has been really hard, especially with how my MotoGP career went. It was not good, and I just felt like I was a little discarded as a rider. It has been hard, but I’ve always believed in myself, to be honest, and I’ve kept fighting and pushing because there was one point where I could maybe retire and do something else. But I kept pushing, believing in myself, and kept working as hard as ever. This third position definitely feels like a win to me, that is why it was so frustrating to miss the podium so many times, I think I’ve put in so much work, but finally, good things come to the people who work hard, and it finally pays off.”

The team now head into Misano for the next round, with the team principal for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, Filippo Conti, who is now looking forward to the support in Misano after a great result in Assen.

Conti spoke about his emotions after Gardner’s first podium ahead of Misano: “We are very happy and satisfied. It was not easy, but the race was fantastic, and there were good things with Remy and Domi. It was not unexpected for someone who works so hard and has had the best consistency. The team did an incredible job, and thanks to Yamaha for all their support. I feel very proud of our guys, and I hope this is only the starting point. It is our home race next, and it is very important to us. We are going to have a lot of support and a lot of fun. We are going to have to test and work very hard to be ready for Misano to fight for a great result.”

Don’t miss any action from Misano next time out and throughout 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

For the final time this weekend, the FIM Supersport World Championship went racing at the TT Circuit Assen in a race which will be remembered for a long time. Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) took the race win at his home race and the home race for the Ten Kate team. The #28 became the first Dutch winner at Assen in 10 years and the fourth Dutch winner in WorldSSP.

HOME HERO: van Straalen wins ahead of Huertas

After finishing fourth in Race 1, van Straalen put on an incredible display to win after pitting for wet tyres on lap two. The #28 made his way into second in the closing stages of the race to pass to take the lead with four laps remaining. Van Straalen finished ahead of Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team), claimed his fourth podium in the WorldSSP class, finding the pace to steal second from Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team), who was the first rider to pit on the first lap and ends Sunday with his 11^th podium.

STRATEGY: pit stops were key in Race 2

Rain fell throughout the warm-up lap, with the entire grid on slick tyres. Leading into turn one was Huertas, who ran wide as the rain began to pour down in a tense start to the race. Eight riders pitted at the end of the first lap, with Tuuli entering the pitlane first. Race leader Huertas then decided to pit on lap two and was followed by another eight riders, with each rider needing to spend at least a 76-second intervention time in the pitlane. Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) led the race in the early stages after deciding to stay out on slick tyres. John McPhee (WRP-RT Motorsport by SKM-Triumph) was another rider who stayed on slicks, eventually crashing out of the race.

There was over 20 seconds difference per lap between the slick and rain tyre runners with still 14 laps remaining. Edwards was passed by Kaito Toba (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda), who claimed the lead before Lorenzo Baldassarri (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) took the lead. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) pitted on lap five, dropping the #62 to 25^th position – outside the points. Things soon went from bad to worse for Manzi, receiving an 11.82s penalty for not completing the 76-second intervention time. With 10 laps remaining, the battle for second place was tense, with Tuuli soon finding his way through Huertas and Toba. Van Straalen, however, was on a charge as he made his way into second before stealing the lead.

HOT PACE: Tuuli unable to respond to Huertas

On the last lap of the race, all eyes were on Dutch rider van Straalen and the riders in second and third, with Huertas finding his through on Tuuli. The #66 could not respond to Huertas’ pace, with the Spaniard stretching the gap to over half a second at the line. With a strong pace on the last lap, van Straalen was able to take his maiden victory and become a home hero.

UNEXPECTED: some unexpected results for riders inside the top 10

Nicolo Antonelli (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) finished in fourth, just 1.223s away from a podium after making a mistake on the final lap of the race. Rounding out the top five was Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), who showed consistent pace throughout the entire race, finishing ahead of Baldassarri in sixth. Toba came to the line to finish in seventh, ahead of Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) in eighth. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) ended the race in ninth ahead of Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), who rounded out the top 10.

The top six from WorldSSP Race 2, full results here:

1. Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing)

2. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +1.352s

3. Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team) 2.944s

4. Niccolo Antonelli (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) 4.167s

5. Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +10.872s

6. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) +13.285s

Fastest lap: Bahattin Sofuoglu, MV Agusta – 1’45.814s

Championship standings:

1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 86 points

2. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 85

3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 84

4. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 83

5. Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 55

6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) 54

Misano is up next! Don’t miss any action from the classic venue using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed his first win at the TT Circuit Assen in sensational style after some mid-race rain provided plenty of excitement for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field. The Turkish star started from ninth on the grid but made quick progress to be in the podium fight, before battling with reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) for victory during the Pirelli Dutch Round in WorldSBK’s 950^th race.

A QUICK START: Razgatlioglu charges, Locatelli challenges

When the lights went out, Bautista got a great start from first on the grid, as did teammate Nicolo Bulega next to him with the #1 holding on to P1 through the first lap. The rider on the move was Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) as he moved from sixth to second on the first lap and challenged Bautista. However, ‘Loka’ soon found himself behind Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who was determined to claim a first podium and then Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), as the Turkish star battled from ninth to third in the first few laps.

On Lap 6, Razgatlioglu moved into second as he overtook Gardner to move into second place, with the chasing pack generally having more pace over Bautista although the battling costing them time. At the end of Lap 7, Razgatlioglu made his move for P1 by passing the #1 into the final chicane under braking; a trademark move of ‘El Turco’. Rain started to fall on Lap 8 with the white flags shown, signally that riders could change tyres if they wanted, although no one dived into the pits immediately. Elsewhere, Locatelli passed Gardner on Lap 8 for the podium through the chicane, although Gardner responded a lap later, and Bautista re-claimed P1 on Lap 9 with a superb pass over Razgatlioglu.

RAIN STARTS FALLING: mastering the conditions

With the rain falling harder, it was Gardner’s Yamaha machine who had the pace advantage, passing Bautista at the final chicane to take the lead and demote Bautista into second, before Locatelli moved ahead of the reigning Champion. The #55 soon moved into the lead with an aggressive move on Gardner at Turn 8 before Bautista followed him through, with the #1 putting the pressure on ‘Loka’, passing him at the start at Lap 16 when the Italian ran wide. Soon, Razgatlioglu was back in front when he passed Bautista at the Geert Timmer Chicane for the lead, with Gardner all over the pair of them. With four laps to go, the gaps stretched out a little but although everything remained close despite Razgatlioglu edging out a gap. It enabled the 2021 Champion to hold on for victory, his third of the season as well as his and BMW’s first win at the Dutch venue. Bautista took second, moving onto 96 rostrums and three behind Chaz Davies in the all-time list, while Gardner held on to finally take his first WorldSBK rostrum after so many fourth-place finishes and his first in any class since the 2021 Algarve Grand Prix. He became the first Australian on the podium since Misano Race 1 in 2010, when Troy Corser was on the rostrum.

NARROWLY MISSING OUT: Iannone takes top Independent spot, van der Mark penalised

Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) was on the move throughout the race as he moved into podium contention but had to settle for fourth place ahead of Locatelli in fifth despite leading the race at times, finishing just a tenth behind Iannone. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) took sixth place, and he was just a tenth away from the Dutchman ahead, with the Brit taking advantage of difficult conditions to move up to P6. He was initially classified in seventh but a three-second penalty for Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) for not losing one second at the final chicane when he went off the track promoted him into the top six.

FIGHTING BACK: Aegerter into the top eight, Vierge claims P10

Van der Mark’s penalty promoted Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) to seventh place and Bulega to eighth, with the #11 dropping down the order during the 21-lap race despite his strong start. Van der Mark was classified in ninth place following his penalty but crossing the line in P6 will have pleased him and BMW, showing another sign of the progress the German manufacturer has made this season. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) finished as the lead Honda rider with 10^th place, equalling his best of the season.

IN THE POINTS: a best of the season for Mackenzie

Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) surged up the order in the difficult conditions, taking 11^th for his best of 2024, finishing only a tenth down on Vierge ahead. He was also two seconds clear of American rider Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) in 12^th, with the #31 running in the top ten at points during the race. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) claimed 13^th with Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) in 14^th and Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completing the points-paying positions.

JUST MISSING OUT: Spinelli close to more points, Rea and Lowes collide

Nicholas Spinelli (Barni Spark Racing Team) was just 0.087s from the points in Race 2 but had to settle for 16^th in what was an unforgettable weekend for the #24. Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 17^th with Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in 18^th; the Italian had a huge moment in the final sector which dropped him down the order.

Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) was enjoying his best weekend of 2024, but it ended in the gravel when he crashed at Turn 17. At the start of Lap 10, Rea and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) collided at Turn 1 to end their progress, with Lowes retiring and taken to the medical centre for a check-up, while Rea re-joined in 20^th and last before he fought back to claim 19^th, ahead of Adam Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda).

The top six from WorldSBK Race 2, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.625s

3. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +1.022

4. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +3.120s

5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +3.217s

6. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +5.174

Fastest lap: Remy Gardner, Yamaha – 1’34.295s

Championship Standings:

1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 123 points

2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 117

3. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 109

4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 93

5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 64

6. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) 64

Misano is up next! Don’t miss any action from the classic circuit using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport 300 World Championship continued to bring drama, with Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Trafc Kawasaki) completing the double at the TT Circuit Assen in a thrilling end to Race 2. This gave Mogeda the Championship lead in a race that was decided in the final meters.

PERFECT WEEKEND: Mogeda claims back-to-back victory

The WorldSSP300 treated the Dutch fans in Race 2 with an intense race, which was decided on the final lap. After setting up a perfect run on the exit to the final corner, Mogeda took his second race win and Kawasaki’s 59^th victory in the class in a brilliant display of talent. Home hero Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) snatched an incredible second place, missing out on a win by 0.040s. However, the Dutch rider did claim his third podium and finished ahead of Petr Svoboda (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki), who finished third after a penalty for the #48.

UNBELIEVABLE: over 10 bikes battle for the win

Leading the field on the entry to turn one, Mogeda took the lead after a brave move on the #88 machine. The front two of Mogeda and Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse had a comfortable gap at the end of lap one, with all 31 riders ending the first lap. The first incident of the race came on lap two of the race, with Ivan Bolano Hernandez (DEZA-BOX 77 Racing Team), Mattia Martella (Kawasaki GP Project), and Michel Agazzi (MS Racing) all falling on lap two. Just moments later, Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) and Mirko Gennai (Kawasaki GP Project) had a crash of their own, and Gennai was able to remount.

The lead group began to bunch with Julio Garcia (KOVE Racing Team, leading an intense battle for the win. Britain’s Fenton Seabright’s (Kawasaki GP Project) day went from bad to worse – receiving a double LLP for a jump start and then crashing at the final corner with nine laps remaining. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) soon hit the front, leading the 14-bike group before Unai Calatayud (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team) crashed with two laps remaining.

UNPREDICTABLE: a drag race to the line

Elia Bartolini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team) led the field on the last lap before Mogeda reclaimed the lead on the #88 machine, setting the stage for the final lap before running wide and allowing Bartolini through. It was an incredible final sector with riders going three-wide, but Ruben Bijman (Team Flembbo-PL Performances) would crash, with a disappointing end to his race. Meanwhile, at the final chicane, Garcia led on entry before Mogeda stole victory on the run to the line in an epic drag race to the line.

TALENT PACKED: a talented top-10 with penalties changing positions

Iglesias is now six points behind the new Championship leader after finishing fourth ahead of Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing), who rounded out the top five. After leading part of the race, Bartolini crossed the line in sixth position after a fantastic race. The #31 finished ahead of Marco Gaggi (Team BrCorse), who improved his result from Race 1, finishing Race 2 in seventh. Bruno Ieraci (Team ProDina Kawasaki) was eighth and scored his first finish of the weekend. Samuel Di Sora (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team) was behind Ieraci, just two seconds away from victory. However, the story goes further down to Garcia, who, after starting P26, the Spaniard would finish in third place but would later receive a three-second penalty, dropping Garcia to 10^th place.

The top six from WorldSSP300 Race 2, full results here:

1. Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki)

2. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) +0.040s

3. Petr Svoboda (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) +0.222s

4. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) +0.340s

5. Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) +0.458s

6. Elia Bartolini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team) +0.471s

Fastest lap: Julio Garcia, Kove – 1’49.127s 12:29

Championship standings:

1. Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) 63 points

2. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) 57

3. Petr Svoboda (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) 53

4. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) 43

5. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) 41

6. Unai Calatayud (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team) 30

Next up, Misano! Watch every moment from the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM World Superbike World Championship kicked off Sunday’s action at the TT Circuit Assen in sunny conditions, with Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) showcasing an incredible comeback to fight through the field to win a nail-biting 10-lap Superpole Race. The Spaniard won by over two seconds from his teammate Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who finished second, making it an Aruba.It Ducati one-two.

SHOCK RESULTS: Bautista wins with the podium decided on the last lap

Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) dropped to third on the exit to turn one, with rookie Bulega storming into the lead for the opening stage of the race. Bautista made a mistake early on, dropping to eighth. However, the #1 was not the only rider to make a mistake, with Razgatlioglu running wide and dropping from second to fourth – leaving the #54 with work to do. Bautista charged through the field into second position, treating the Dutch fans to an all-out battle between the Factory Ducati’s on the last lap. Bulega had no response, crossing the line in second – allowing Bautista to win. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) stole third place at the final corner to claim his 37th career podium finish.

REA RETURNS: Jonathan Rea finished inside the top five

Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) did not finish inside the top three, with the Australian unable to respond to Lowes on the run to the line. Rea started from pole and ended the Superpole Race in fifth in a great sign of improvement from the #65, who battled for the podium throughout the race. Rea was ahead of his teammate Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who finished in sixth place, less than 10 seconds away from the win.

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR TOPRAK: van der Mark finished as the top BMW

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) continued to build on his experience in the WorldSBK class, crossing the line in seventh. The Brit was ahead of Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who came across the line to finish as the top BMW in a remarkable result. The home hero was ahead of his teammate Razgatlioglu, who was in ninth, claiming his worst finish since joining the German manufacturer – finishing more than 10 seconds away from victory.

The top nine from the Tissot Superpole Race, full results here:

1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.686s

3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +7.403s

4. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +7.551s

5. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +8.177s

6. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +9.114s

7. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +9.702s

8. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +9.824s

9. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +10.034s

Fastest lap: Nicolo Bulega, Ducati – 1’33.882s

Don’t miss Race 2 from Assen at 14:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

After a Saturday to remember for numerous reasons, the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads into Sunday with a very open mind and very open skies. The sun has finally come out and whilst showers are possible from midday onwards, Warm Up will have proven critical for at least the Tissot Superpole Race at 11am local time (CEST). On top at the close of the ten minute Warm Up, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) bounced back from Race 1 dramas to lead Sunday action in the morning.

After the #55’s Race 1 ended in a cloud of smoke, he bounced back in damp conditions and built into the session and took control ahead of Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Honda’s Xavi Vierge (Team HRC), who was up inside the top ten in Race 1. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) clinched fourth, whilst Race 1 heroic winner Nicholas Spinelli (Barni Spark Racing Team) was fifth and again in the mix.

In the second group, it was a strong session for Brad Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) in P6, whilst Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) was seventh and will aim to fight back on Sunday after a second consecutive DNF. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was eighth, ahead of Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), who made it four Yamahas inside the top ten. Adam Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) were the only other riders who went out, with the rest in the box.

Top six after WorldSBK Warm Up, full results here:

1 Andrea Locatelli (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’44.917

2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0270s

3. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +0.491s

4. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) +0.785s

5. Nicholas Spinelli (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.646s

6. Brad Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) +2.056s

Watch Assen from wherever you are and whenever you want with the WorldSBK VideoPass

Source: WorldSBK.com

Mallorca’s Marc Vich put in an exemplary performance in challenging conditions to take victory in Race 1 of the second round of the 2024 FIM Yamaha R3 World Cup at the TT Circuit Assen. Japan’s Takumi Takahashi and Poland’s Dawid Nowak completed the podium.

The 10-lap race was declared wet, meaning the 16 R3 bLU cRU riders had to start with identical Pirelli SCR1 rain tyres on the Dutch track, which was registered at a chilly 16 degrees Celsius. Polesitter Mario Salles took the holeshot into the first turns, but Cameron Swain stayed close and was able to make a couple of passes on the Brazilian. Unlike Barcelona where Gonzalo Sanchez took a huge advantage over the field, the riders remained tightly packed. By the second lap of the race the sun was out and Swain started to lose his feeling with the wet tyres, dropping a few places, while others felt more comfortable with the drying track. Salles saw his chance to make a break and pulled seven tenths of a second on his rivals, but Takumi Takahashi, Eduardo Burr, Dawid Nowak and Sanchez were all climbing up the standings.

The race was thrown wide open with five laps to go when the charging Salles and Sanchez collided at Turn 15. Both riders went to the medical centre, with Salles suffering contusions to his ankle and arm and Sanchez reporting leg pain.

The crash was deemed a racing incident with no further action taken and both riders are expected to take the start in Sunday’s Race 2.

The red flag was shown shortly after the incident, and with two-thirds distance having been completed the result was declared. Using his experience and cool-headed approach Vich had climbed into the lead during the drama and he took his first victory of the season. Japanese rookie Takahashi slotted into a superb second and Nowak completed the podium in third.

The Netherlands’ Indi Schunselaar scored points at home in tenth.

Race 2 will take place at 11:50 CET on Sunday April 21^st and you can watch LIVE right HERE 

FULL RESULTS – R3 bLU cRU World Cup – RACE ONE

Marc Vich, Race 1 Winner, said: “I didn’t know if I could get a victory here, before the race I checked my phone and it looked like it wasn’t going to rain much during the race and we had to start with wet tyres. I knew if I pushed in those early laps the tyres could get a bit worn out, so I waited carefully and when I saw the other riders dropping back, I began to push and kept a good rhythm until the end. I’m happy to win, but I would much prefer to win seeing the chequered flag and not the red flag. Tomorrow looks less wet, and I have some confidence knowing that I won even in the tough conditions today.”

Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport World Championship continued to bring drama at the TT Circuit Assen, with Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) storming to victory on slick tyres. The #99 wins his second race of the season after charging from outside the points with 12 laps remaining to win Race 1 in the Netherlands.

BACK ON TOP: Huertas returns to the top step

It was a race of two halves, with Huertas’ gamble paying off, winning the race on slick tyres on a drying track. Behind the Spaniard was Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing Yamaha), who stole second place on the final corner – claiming a 16th second-place finish. Rounding off the podium and finishing as the top rain tyre runner was Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team), who claimed a third WorldSSP podium and his first podium outside of France.

TYRE GAMBLES: a mix of tyres in tricky conditions

There was drama before the race began, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) pulling into the pits. However, once the lights went out, it was a perfect launch off the line for Manzi from pole position. It was a disastrous start further down the field, with Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team) crashing on the exit of turn one. However, with half the track still wet it allowed Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) on rain tyres. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) would also crash at the start of the race before Lorenzo Baldassarri (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) became the victim of the tricky conditions.

Debise eventually took the race lead and built a comfortable advantage. However, slick tyre runners got quicker, especially Huertas, who charged through the field to inside the top 10 with eight laps remaining. The #99’s pace built as the track continued to dry with a six-second difference per lap, allowing Huertas to catch and take the race lead away from Debise quickly.

PODIUM DECIDER: a dramatic last lap to decide the top three positions

On the final lap of the race, Manzi made his way into third position, charging to close the three-second gap to Debise in second place. The #62 made the move stick on the entry to the final corner on the final lap of the race. Debise ran wide, which put the Dutch crowd on their feet for a photo finish between Debise in third and Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) in fourth.

UNEXPECTED RESULTS: the battle for a spot in a competitive top 10

Van Straalen ended his home round in fourth position, ahead of Edwards in fifth, who spent the entire race on the slick tyres. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) was sixth, taking the fastest lap of the race in the process and finishing as the top MV Agusta. Jorge Navarro (WRP-RT Motorsport by SKM-Triumph) was seventh, ahead of Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha), with Luke Power (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) rounding out the top 10 finishers.

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

1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)

2. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +8.149s

3. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +9.180s

4. Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +9.291s

5. Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) +14.695s

6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) +19.375s

Fastest lap: Federico Caricasulo, MV Agusta – 1’40.176s

Watch WorldSSP Race 2 on Sunday at 15:15 Local Time (UTC+1) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

A tyre gamble and a fortunately timed red flag allowed Nicholas Spinelli (Barni Spark Racing Team) to claim a stunning debut win in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, while it was also the team’s first win in the WorldSBK class. After bursting into the lead and pulling out a 25-second lead on intermediate tyres before his rivals started closing him down but, with the red flags shown at the TT Circuit Assen, the Italian was able to take a debut win during the Pirelli Dutch Round.

TYRE CHOICES: most on slicks… one on an all-intermediate call

Spinelli gambled with tyres by starting with a front and rear intermediate tyre on his Panigale V4 R, becoming a race leader in his first WorldSBK outing and moving four seconds clear at the end of Lap 1, before that increased to 14 seconds at the end of Lap 2. In doing so, he became the 10^th youngest race leader in WorldSBK history. At the end of the opening lap, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) all opted to pit, with Sam Lowes having an issue and dropping a lap down.

CONDITIONS IMPROVE, IANNONE CRASHES: Spinelli leads the way with a big margin

With conditions improving, riders on slick tyres were able to find grip and time, although Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) pushed a bit too hard and crashed at Turn 3 and he retired from the race. By the end of Lap 8, Spinelli’s lead was being cut with it coming down to 19 seconds as the track continued to dry. The fight was for second on track but a potential victory on the cards, with Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) all in the mix. The #54 ran wide at Turn 1 at the start of Lap 9, which allowed Bautista and Alex Lowes through, but he remained in contention for the podium.

RED FLAG COMES OUT: Spinelli on top, Razgatlioglu just beats Bautista

At the start of Lap 13, the gap was down to 11 seconds as he ran about three seconds slower on his intermediates, with Bautista leading the hunt of the Italian. However, on Lap 14, Razgatlioglu overtook Bautista at the final chicane to move into second place and was soon on Spinelli’s tail with his pace advantage. However, with the #54 closing in, the red flags were shown due to oil on track after Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) had a technical issue at Turn 15 on Lap 15. It’s the first time WorldSBK’s had two debutant winners in a single season – after Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in Australia and Spinelli – since 1996 and only the third time in history. The red flag meant Razgatlioglu finished second with Bautista third. It was Razgatlioglu’s 120^th podium as he closes in on Troy Corser in second place in the all-time list, while it was also Bautista’s 94^th rostrum to put him level with Troy Bayliss.

JUST MISSING OUT: Gardner fourth, Rea sixth

Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) equalled his best WorldSBK result to take fourth place, finishing just six seconds away from Spinelli, with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in fifth and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) dropping down to sixth – still taking his best Yamaha result – but in what was the chasing group after starting from pole position. The last rider of the second group was Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who finished seventh, just a tenth behind Rea.

BEST OF 2024: Redding claims first top ten of the season

Behind the battle for the podium was a smaller group fighting for the top eight, with Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) taking his best result of 2024 in eighth, finishing six seconds down on van der Mark but ensured three BMWs were in the top eight. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was quick in the opening stages and claimed ninth, his best result with Kawasaki, with Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) completing the top ten to equal his best result of the season.

IN THE POINTS: Bulega’s Championship lead cut, Locatelli points despite technical problem

Bulega dropped out of the top ten to finish in 11^th place, ahead of Locatelli who was classified in 12^th despite his technical problem. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 13^th after fighting his way up the grid, with Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) equalling his best finish of 14^th and Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) completing the points scorers.

Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW), Adam Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda), Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) and Sam Lowes were the last classified riders. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) retired after a technical problem, with Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Iannone also non-finishers.

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

1 Nicholas Spinelli (Barni Spark Racing Team)

2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +1.979s

3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.089s

4. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +4.851s

5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +5.147s

6. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +5.376s

Fastest lap: Toprak Razgatlioglu, BMW – 1’35.777s

Don’t miss tomorrow’s Tissot Superpole Race at 11:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com