The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship moves from Estoril to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for Round 12 of the season. The Prometeon Spanish Round hosts the season finale and there are still four titles to be decided in the south of Spain, so don’t miss out on any of the upcoming thrilling action and get your tickets HERE. Here are 10 reasons why you should head to Jerez this weekend.

WORLD SUPERBIKE’S TITLE FIGHT: taken to the last round

While it seems likely Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) will be crowned Champion at Jerez, it’s a title-deciding final round and anything can happen. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is the only rider who can stop the #54 and he’s sure to put up as much of a fight as possible.

HUERTAS VS MANZI: another decider

In WorldSSP, it’s advantage to Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) with a 45-point lead over Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) in second, with 50 available. Mathematically, the Italian rider can take the title but needs two wins and for Huertas to score a maximum of four points. Still, it’s another title that will be decided in Jerez.

THREE-WAY CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT: WorldSSP300 goes to the wire

Three riders can win the WorldSSP300 title: Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse), Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) and Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki). 32 points separate the three riders and, given WorldSSP300’s unpredictable nature, anything can, and surely will, happen.

CARRASCO VS HERRERA: the last stages of an intense 2024 rivalry

Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) leads the WorldWCR standings by 18 points heading into Jerez, with Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) in second. Their rivalry has ignited in recent rounds and with the title on the line at Jerez, it could go up a notch. Of course, Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) is also in mathematical contention, although needs a lot of luck to go her way.

THE LOCATION: a beautiful part of the world

Jerez is situated in Andalusia in the south of Spain, and it is a beautiful place. Not far from the stunning Sevilla, there’s plenty of history in the Sherry-making region and something for everyone to make it a key part of your Jerez visit.

JEREZ AS A CITY: a must-visit

Jerez de la Frontera is an incredible city to visit, with an old quarter that is the envy of a lot of historic cities. Complete with churches, palaces, museums, and plenty of monuments, staying in Jerez for your visit will complete the weekend.

THE PADDOCK SHOW: entertainment guaranteed

Based in the heart of the paddock, the WorldSBK Paddock Show is the place for all your off-track entertainment. Interactive games and question-and-answer sessions mean fans can get close to their favourite riders in a more casual setting.

PODIUM CELEBRATIONS: joined by the fans

The podium celebrations in all four categories will take place at the Paddock Show, putting fans in the best position to see the celebrations take place. Of course, with titles still to be decided, the podiums could be even more special with Championships being honoured too.

2023 REVISITED: an epic fight for victory…

Of course, things have changed in a year with Razgatlioglu moving to BMW, but last year’s Spanish Round gave us one of the best WorldSBK races of all time. He and Bautista overtook each other 39 times… and 38 of those came in the second half of the race. Re-watch their epic battle HERE. Will there be another unmissable scrap this year?

SEASON FINALE ATMOSPHERE: end of year vibes

While there’s plenty still on the line at Jerez, it’s also going to be a party atmosphere as thousands of fans gather across the weekend to watch four classes provide elbows-out action. You won’t want to miss out on an incredible atmosphere in Spain.

DON’T MISS OUT: get your tickets for the Jerez season finale HERE!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) has enjoyed an impressive 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season with three wins and numerous podiums, and his success this year has been rewarded with the top Independent Riders’ title for the season. He secured the title in Race 2 at the Circuito Estoril as he fended off the challenge from Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven), ensuring he and the Barni Ducati team celebrated success in 2024.

PETRUCCI’S SEASON: three wins, 10 podiums… but a horrible training crash

It has been a turbulent 2024 season for the Italian rider, with some incredible highs: three wins on home soil, podium consistency but also a devastatingly low period when he suffered a near-career ending crash in March whilst training ahead of the Dutch Round: “I must say that the accident I had made me understand the value of life and what matters.” He continued: “From the accident I had during the training in April, from that moment on we had always good fights in the top five, and in August and September we were really good. Now I have no pressure, I still have a good fight with Alex Lowes for fourth place in the Championship but for sure the weekend was something unexpected.”

WRAPPING UP THE INDEPENDENT TITLE: success for Petrucci

Petrucci described his happiness about winning the Independent Riders’ title – with a round to spare despite missing a round earlier in the season following his crash: “I’m really happy…exhausted. Who would have predicted this many podiums and wins, fourth place in the championship especially having missed one and a half rounds.” Despite Estoril not being one of the #9 riders most successful weekends, he still claimed the title ahead of fellow Italian Andrea Iannone (Team GoElevon).

Danilo explained: “In fact, this has been our worst weekend, because I crashed yesterday, fifth this morning and this afternoon… but from one moment to another I have been fighting for the lead all the session. We have faced a lot of difficulties with traction and so on, we are still to understand why, because in testing here it was a good testing and we were quite confident. In the end we managed to enjoy and hope to have a good final round in Jerez.”

2025 CHAMPIONSHIP HOPES? A strong contender for the title

Responding to the potential chance of being a strong contender in 2025, the 33-year-old explained: “It would be really tough to fight for the title next year. I think it would be good to fight for the top 3 in the championship but looking at the people who are in front of us, big names, especially Toprak, Nicolo and Alvaro, really good riders and you have to be perfect to beat them. I don’t know about the title but it would be really nice to finish in the top 3, we will still fight and first of all we have to finish in a good way this championship.”

Looking forward to the final round of the season he added: “Jerez is always a particular round because we have testing there in January so all the riders know the track really well. It’s a track that I like, last year I scored a top five, it was not a really good weekend. but we have no pressure, I want to enjoy this last weekend with my team and a bit of celebration I think after.”

Don’t miss the WorldSBK Championship decider next week in Jerez using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99

Source: WorldSBK.com

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) achieved two third place results on Sunday in the Superpole Race and Race 2 at the Estoril Circuit. After a disappointing first Race at the track on Saturday, where he crashed out of contention and subsequently out of the title race, it was a positive return for the #1 rider.

BULEGA SUPPORT: Team-mate assists #11

Describing his first race of the day, Bautista said: “In the Superpole Race I could make a really good comeback from 11^th position. I was really happy because I felt strong, Nicolo and Toprak had better pace than me and I finished in third position.” In the afternoon’s Race 2, Bautista demonstrated impressive late race pace, however was conscious of his team mate Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who is still in contention with BMW’s Toprak Razgitaloglu ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) to be crowned 2024 Champion. The #1 was leading the race ahead of Bulega, before Razgatiloglu passed both team-mates, and Bulega soon followed; taking second place from Bautista.

“In race 2, in the last few laps, I had something more, maybe attack for second position but at the end he has a chance, a very small chance to fight for the title. So as a team, I think it was better to stay in third. I am proud about this maneuver as it is not easy for a rider to not try and gain any position. I think it was the right decision for the team and I hope we can be closer to fight for the title with Nicolo.”

“It’s not my mentality, but today was like this…I still help.”

It was evident Bautista was able to fight for second position, but with team loyalties in mind, the Ducati rider remained in third position. “Behind Nicolo especially in the last three laps I felt I could brake harder than him and he was stopping me in some areas, but in some places, I can attack him. I felt I could attack for second, but I think it was correct to let him finish second and not lose a lot of points to Toprak and let’s see what happens in Jerez.”

“You never know what happens in the future but in this moment, I think it was the right decision, I did it. If I can help somebody, I sill help. It’s strange because normally it’s not in my mentally, I want to get the maximum in all the situation but today was like this. I think it has been the first time in all my career that I do this but there is always a first time for everything.

FOTI PRAISES: “In this case today, he was also world champion.”

Ducati’s World Superbike Team Manager, Serafino Foti commented on speculation about team orders between the two Ducati riders and praised Bautista’s efforts to support his team mate in the Championship race, stating; “To be honest, we didn’t show a team order because Alvaro was smart. He worked for the team for the is a team-mate. So, in this case today, he was also world champions. So, and I would like to thank you, Alvaro and also Nicolo, because he did a really good race was difficult to beat Toprak because the differing is quite a lot.”

JEREZ FINAL ROUND: #1 rider’s intentions

Looking ahead to the final round of the 2024 season, Bautista added: “The target will be to have a good feeling with the bike, to enjoy my riding because here I struggle more than in Aragon with traction so let’s see if we can be better and more competitive in Jerez. I will do my best. If in a race situation I can help Nicolo I will do but right now there is no sense to speak about Jerez because we have to start with FP1, FP2 etc.”

Don’t miss the WorldSBK Championship decider next week in Jerez using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99

Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport World Championship Race 2 concluded the racing weekend in Portugal on Sunday afternoon, and an unpredictable race unfolded at the Estoril Circuit perfect weather conditions set the stage for the 18-lap race. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was dominant from lights out, as he led into turn 1 ahead of title rival Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and the #94 bike of Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha). A surprisingly poor start from Championship leader Adrain Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) meant he fell back to fifth position.

EARLY CRASHES: Bayliss and Booth-Amos out

Turn four witnessed an early race collision on the opening lap, as Thomas Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) and Australian rider Oliver Bayliss (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) crashed out of contention. Back at the front, the lead group was providing plenty of thrilling racing for the Portuguese spectators as Montella led fellow Italian Manzi in second, whilst Huertas gained momentum to catch Mahias in third position.

TOP THREE BATTLE: Title rivals lead the field

The tension increased as the race continued to unfold in Estoril, and it was the #99 of Huertas who increased the pressure on his championship rivals as he moved into a podium position and hunted down the Ducati frontman. It was a French battle further behind the lead group as Debise and Mahias jostled for fourth place and displaying plenty of skilled overtakes throughout the four-kilometer circuit.

MONTELLA CRASHES: Loses lead and Championship chances

Responding to Manzi’s increase in pressure from P2, Montella attempted to create a larger gap back to the chasing group, but at turn 7 a crucial mistake saw the #55 Italian crash out with just 8 laps remaining. This has now ended his hopes of contending for the WorldSSP 2024 Championship.

HUERTAS V MANZI: Who will be crowned 2024 Champion?

With Manzi and Huertas taking the top two spots on the podium, Debise impressed with a third place in front of Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in fourth and fifth, whilst Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) rounded off the top 6. The Race 2 result is 4th win for Yamaha this year and the 99th podium for Ducati in the WorldSSP class. The result has created a two-horse race between Huertas and Manzi as the paddock heads to Jerez for the final round of the season next week. Just 45 points separate the #99 and Manzi who is chasing the Spaniard at the top of the current rankings.

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

1. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing)
2. Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +2.506s
3. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +4.103
4. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +4.351s
5. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +7.670s
6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) +9.355s

Fastest lap: Stefano Manzi, Yamaha – 1’40.063s

Championship standings:

1. Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 410 points
2. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 365
3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 354
4. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) 218
5. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 204
6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) 184

Don’t miss the WorldSSP Championship decider next week in Jerez using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The wins on Sunday at the Circuito Estoril may have been shared between Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) with the title race now going to be decided at the season finale. Bulega claimed a record-breaking win in the Tissot Superpole Race by just 0.003s, while Razgatlioglu took a commanding Race 2 victory to take the advantage into the season-ending Spanish Round.

SUPERPOLE RACE MAKES HISTORY: Bulega just pips Razgatlioglu

The morning Superpole Race had looked like it would be won by Razgatlioglu, but Bulega put in two incredible laps to be in a position to challenge. On Lap 9, he set a new race lap record to close the gap before he got an incredible exit out of the final corner. That allowed him to close in on the #54 and, coupled with the slipstream, meant he crossed the line just 0.003s ahead of the BMW rider, which is the closest WorldSBK finish in history; beating the previous record set in Race 1 in Australia in 2010 by just one thousandth of a second.

Expanding on his historic win, Bulega said: “I enjoyed the Superpole Race a lot. It was a very good race; I overtook Toprak at the last corner, and I had a lot of fun. In Race 2, I also had fun with some overtakes. Toprak was very, very fast and it was difficult to try and beat him. I’m happy because I’ve brought the Championship to the last round. I’m really happy also because Toprak is difficult to beat, especially the last lap. I did it this morning and it was one of the best races of the season, maybe the best, and one of the most beautiful wins for me.”

RAZGATLIOGLU RESPONDS: commanding Race 2 victory

Razgatlioglu got his own back in Race 2 as he took victory by almost four seconds. Razgatlioglu was as low as P5 at the end of Lap 1 but soon picked off his rivals, which included Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), former teammate Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), Bulega, and two-time Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The win means he heads to Jerez with a 46-point lead over Bulega.

Discussing his Sunday win, Razgatlioglu said: “I’m really happy today, especially with Race 2. The Superpole Race is a disaster because I had incredible race pace with the race tyre, but when I saw the chequered flag, I lost. I focused on Race 2 because I needed to win again, more points were available. It was a good win for the Championship.”

THE CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT: advantage Razgatlioglu into the decider

While Razgatlioglu had a slim chance of winning the title at Estoril, it’s now official that it will go down to Jerez. It can be wrapped up as soon as Race 1 if he finishes more than 37 points clear of Bulega. Razgatlioglu has already been involved in last-round title deciders, having won his in 2021 at the final round, while he was in mathematical contention in 2023 when Bautista secured the Championship at Jerez. For Bulega, he wrapped up his WorldSSP crown early, giving different experiences heading into the finale.

Razgatlioglu played down the stress of Jerez, saying: “Everyone’s waiting for a very stressful weekend at Jerez. I’m more relaxed because I have a big gap in the points. I’ll just try to enjoy it at Jerez. In 2021, I remember the Championship finished at the final round. This year’s the same. Before I crashed, I was thinking it looks like the Championship finished three rounds before. After the crash, everything changed. I’m trying to manage it but sometimes it’s not easy. It was a very difficult race at Aragon, but I did a good job there. Here, I needed three wins, but I lost the Superpole Race. I’m not feeling stressed for Jerez, because I have a very good gap. I just need a good position; I don’t need to win again.”

Despite the possibility of securing the crown, Bulega admitted he was ‘proud’ of what he’s achieved this season regardless of the outcome: “It’s very difficult but, for me, it’s already an incredible result to be here and I can say I’m still fighting for the Championship at the last round in my first year. It’s something incredible but unexpected. I’m really happy and proud of what I did and what my team did for my in the whole season.”

Who will come out on top at Jerez? Watch all the action using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The second race of the day for The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship got underway on Sunday afternoon as the riders faced a 21-lap race at the 4-kilometre Estoril Circuit. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had a flying start to the race as he took the hole shot into the first corner ahead of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) and Superpole Race winner Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had a poor start at lights out, falling to fifth position behind Yamaha rider Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha).

MACKENZIE, LOWES OUT: Riders crash in early stages

Misfortune for British riders Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) and Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) struck during the opening stages of the Portuguese race, with both riders falling out of contention within the first 4 laps. But all eyes were on Championship leader, Razgatlioglu who recovered back into a podium position on lap 4, and once again proved his dominance as he displayed impressive overtakes to move into second and then first position ahead of Bautista on lap 7.

DUCATI DUO: Bautista and Bulega chase #54

Stablemates Bulega and Bautista exchanged positions as the #54 Turkish rider increased his lead at two thirds race distance, but it was Bulega who eventually took the reins into second and led the pair as they hunted down the lading BMW rider. Further back in the field, Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW Despite) was forced to retire from his race after facing mechanical issues and despite impressive form in their Estoril weekends, Race 2 ended in disappointment for riders Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) who crashed out of contention from fourth place, and #55 Locatelli, who also ended his race in the gravel.

PETRUCCI WINS INDEPENDENT RIDERS’ TITLE: #9 claims 2024 honours

Out in front, an unstoppable Razgatlioglu wheelied across the finish line with an outstanding five second lead, as Bulega led #1 Bautista to complete the Portugal rostrum. Jonathan Rea missed out on a podium spot in third, whilst an exciting race battle between Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) resulted in the riders taking fifth and sixth positions. The Barni Spark Racing Team had reason to celebrate today as Danilo Petrucci won the Independent Riders’ title, crossing the line in seventh ahead of fellow Italian Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) who completed the top 8. The Championship winner will now be crowned in next week’s final round as the paddock heads to Jerez, but will it be Razgatlioglu or Bulega who rides to glory in Spain?

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

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +3.866s
3. Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +3.998s
4. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +12.005s
5. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +15.209s
6. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +15.792s

Fastest lap: Toprak Razgatlioglu, BMW – 1’36.802s

Championship standings:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 473 points
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 427
3. Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 356
4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 291
5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 285
6. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 215

Don’t miss the final round of the WorldSBK Championship in Jerez, Spain, next week using the WorldSBK VideoPass – only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship did not disappoint on close racing action in Race 2, as the paddock took to the Circuito Estoril in Portugal on Sunday afternoon. It was an incredible first victory for Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) as she rode to glory on the final straight, beating current Championship leader Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) by just 0.032 seconds, whilst Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) completed the rostrum, followed by a notably strong race from Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) who took fourth.

CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDER: Title winner will be crowned in Jerez

Second place in the Championship rankings; #6 rider Maria Herrera was strong off the line, starting from pole position as she led the field into turn 1 as Sanchez and Carrasco chased her down. The 12-lap race was dictated by four front riders including Herrera, Sanchez, Carrasco and Neila who gapped the rest of the paddock throughout Race 2.  

FOUR WAY BATTLE: Leading group fight for podium

With dry and sunny weather, the perfect Estoril track conditions set the stage for a continuous exchange in places between the leading group as they all matched on race pace.  Fans were on the edge of their seats as non-stop overtakes between the four riders unfolded. Cremona race winner Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) was determined to close in on the front group, riding a consistent race in fifth position, yet proved unable to make any gains on the separating gap.

RELPH CRASHES OUT: Australian falls on Lap 5

It was disappointment in the TAYCO Motorsport garage, as Tayler Relph crashed out of contention on the fifth lap of the race, ending up in the gravel on Turn 4. The #52 South African rider Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno) also ended her Portuguese race weekend in disappointment as she crashed out of the top seven with only 5 laps to go. Back at the front though, it was down to the last lap, as Carrasco led the group onto the home straight.

THE FINAL LAP: a slipstream battle to the end

Taking advantage of the slipstream, Sanchez timed her overtake perfectly as she crossed the chequered flag ahead of the #22, whilst Herrera completed the all-Spanish podium, with Neila taking a close fourth. Ponziani claimed fifth position as she led Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) across the line to round off the top six Race 2 finishers. The Championship is certainly heating up as The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship title winner will be crowned at the final round in Jerez, Spain, in just one week’s time.

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

1. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team)
2. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) +0.032s
3. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) +0.164s
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.310s
5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +10.596s
6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +16.696s

Fastest lap: Ana Carrasco (Yamaha) – 1’49.872s

Championship standings

1. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) 208 points
2. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) 190
3. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) 166
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 136
5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) 109
6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) 90

Don’t miss the WorldWCR Championship decider at Jerez next week for FREE on the WorldWCR YouTube channel!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship delivered a thrilling 10-lap race at the Circuito Estoril on Sunday morning, as the riders took to the track under perfect racing conditions. Starting from pole position was Race 1 winner Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who led the field from lights out, as Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) chased down the Turkish rider into Turn 1, whilst Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) battled for a top three position.

EARLY FIGHTS: a chaotic start to the 10-lap dash

Championship contender Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was outside of the front pack in the early stages of the Superpole Race, and at the front, spectators witnessed close racing between Razgatlioglu, Petrucci, Rea and Locatelli as they displayed an exciting battle for the lead. Fresh from Saturday’s Race 1 win though, the #54 was determined to repeat his success, managing to gap his rivals and take a confident lead as the race began to settle.

HUNTING RIVALS DOWN: Bulega makes early gains

With the Championship title at stake, 24-year-old Bulega, increased his race pace in an effort to catch the leading group, and with eight laps of race distance remaining, overtook into second position, hunting down title rival Razgatlioglu whilst Yamaha’s Locatelli dualled with Petrucci for a potential rostrum finish. Despite a strong race start for Rea, he fell out of contention as he suffered a slow crash into Turn 10 with 6 laps remaining, making way for Spaniard Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) to move up the rankings.

CLOSEST EVER FINISH: 0.003s separate Bulega and Razgatlioglu

Finding some late race place was Ducati rider Bautista, who moved into third ahead of Locatelli and #9 Petrucci as the Superpole Race entered the closing stages. Stable mate to the #1; Bulega, also found some impressive speed, managing to close the gap on Razgatlioglu as the WorldSBK riders entered into the final lap. The race was to be decided on the final straight to the chequered line though, as Bulega entered the slipstream of #54, and stunned spectators as he claimed the win with just 0.003 seconds between the two. #11 also achieved a new race lap record of 1’36.178, as he shares the podium with Razgatiloglu for the 7^th time this season.

REDDING 10^TH: British rider completes top 10

Bautista improved on his performance from Race 1, achieving his 17^th podium of the year as he claimed third place, whilst Locatelli led Petrucci over the line to take fourth and fifth. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was close on their tails in sixth, as Vierge and Race 1 podium finisher Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) took seventh and eighth. Italian Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) just pipped #45 rider Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) to the chequered flag as they rounded of the top 10 in the Superpole Race.

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

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.003s
3. Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +4.253s
4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +5.623s
5. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +7.161s
6. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +7.192s
7. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +8.157s
8. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +9.672s
9. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +11.822s

Fastest lap: Nicolo Bulega, Ducati – 1’36.178s (new race lap record)

Don’t miss the WorldSBK Race 2 from 14:00 Local Time (UTC+1) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) can wrap up the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title in Race 2 at the Circuito Estoril. ‘El Turco’ leads rival Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by 41 points and would need to leave the Estoril Round 62 clear of the Ducati rider.

Razgatlioglu will be crowned Champion in Race 2 if:

• He wins the race and Bulega finishes 12^th or lower

Will Razgatlioglu secure the tile at Estoril? Find out using the WorldSBK VideoPass – only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

A damp but sunny Sunday morning Warm Up got underway for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field at the Circuito Estoril in Portugal; despite the wet patches, riders ventured out on slick tyres before setting the lap times. One corner that was particularly wet was Turn 8 on the approach to the chicane, a hot spot for riders running off on their exploratory laps. By the end of the session, it was Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) who was on top going into the final two races of the weekend.

Riders took it cautiously on the opening laps whilst some just stayed in the box all together, not seeing the need to risk a needless early morning spill. Taking fourth in Race 1, Alex Lowes topped the timesheets ahead of Honda’s Xavi Vierge (Team HRC), with Honda’s positive weekend continuing on Sunday morning. After his Race 1 fall on Saturday, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the early fast laps and was top of the time sheets going into the final stages of the session before finishing third, just ahead of Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), hoping to make up for his Race 1 crash. Completing the top five, Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team).

The rest of the runners completed the top ten as only ten riders set lap times. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) hopes that he can bounce back after his Race 1 fall, whilst Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) has high hopes for points in P7. Home-hero and deputee at MIE Racing Honda Team Ivo Lopes was eighth, with Brad Ray (Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) rounding out the top ten. Race 1 podium finisher Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) and the #21 of Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) both had outlaps but ran off at Turn 8 in the wet patches before returning to their garages.

Top six after WorldSBK Warm Up, full results here:

1 Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’42.132
2. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +0.439s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.463s
4. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.908s
5. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) +1.441s
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.821s

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Source: WorldSBK.com