As the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship had a weekend away from the race circuit, Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was in action during the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez in the MotoGP™ World Championship. The Spaniard was deputising for the injured Marc Marquez in the Repsol Honda Team, something Lecuona hailed as the team of his childhood dreams ahead of action commencing on Thursday.

With there being no expectations, Lecuona took 18^th in his first MotoGP™ Sprint outing on Saturday afternoon after qualifying in 25th. On the opening lap of the Sprint, he had a collision with Augusto Fernandez but managed to stay on the bike. The Sprint was red-flagged after a multiple rider crash at Turn 2 involving Franco Morbidelli, Alex Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi. In Sunday’s Grand Prix, the race was red-flagged for another opening lap crash at Turn 2, this time involving Fabio Quartararo and Miguel Oliveira. Come the end of the race, Lecuona took 16^th, less than half a second from scoring points. 

Talking about the weekend, Lecuona said: “I’m really happy with the job, so thanks to the team for all the work they did. We improved every time I jumped on the bike, the feeling, pace and lap time. At the beginning, I was in the grip but after ten laps, I felt the first drop and missed the lap time a bit. I learnt a lot in the race to keep a good lap time and at the end of the race, I recovered a lot to get to Raul Fernandez. I think I needed half a lap to overtake him but to finish three tenths from a point… overall I am really happy!”

“After a year and a half away from this paddock, it’s hard to come back. It was my first time on this Honda, my first time with the new front tyres and my first time with many new things. I am really happy because run by run, I felt more comfortable and better on the bike. I need to be happy.”

Watch all the 2023 season unfold chapter-by-chapter with the comprehensive WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto hosted a very special presentation on Saturday as the FIM and Dorna Sports announced a new project: the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship. The new competition is intended to widen access to the sport of motorcycle racing for women and create a platform of representation for female riders.

On launch in 2024, the initial series will primarily run alongside the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The target for the first season is at least six rounds, with two races to take place per round. The grid will race on equal machinery, with a single motorcycle supplier to be announced in due course.

The new Championship aims to create opportunities for female riders who are already competing – providing an environment in which they can build a professional, viable career in motorcycle racing – and looks to lay the groundwork for more equal representation across all motorcycling paddocks of the future. Providing a positive example for prospective female competitors, the series will further underline that motorcycling is a sport for all to enjoy, on and off track.

Jorge Viegas, FIM President: “This is the first time ever, since 1904, that we are going to start next year with the FIM Women’s World Championship. I also hope you like the logo, it’s a surprise for all of you!

“We gave a lot of thought to this, and we had a lot of demand. As we do in Motocross, Enduro and Trial, we are starting with a women’s World Championship next year in circuit racing. Our plan is to have six races in Europe, and we are planning to do a single brand competition. We will try to have women from all over the world racing in this new Championship. It will be organised primarily within the frame of the WorldSBK Championship.

“It’s a Championship where we want women to be pro. It’s not a step to another category, we want women who race here to be able to earn a wage as a rider, as professionals. We hope to start in March or April next year.”

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director: “When I was informed about this project and its possibilities I took a lot of interest and had a lot of enthusiasm. Currently, we thought that the World Superbike platform could be one of the places to start this project, but it doesn’t mean that it could only be in Superbike. It’s within Dorna, so we will see how this develops.

“We don’t have all the details yet, this is a live project, evolving all the time. It’s important that we expand the opportunities available, and especially seeing a lot of Cups and projects that we’ve started, I think it’s a big challenge but all of us must be proud of being able to offer this opportunity. At the end of the season I would like to see a good progression for the future ahead in order to have more riders and more possibilities in this sport.

“The best platform to start with is a single brand, and we’ve been discussing it informally with manufacturers already. We will start to define the details, but we expect something in a similar range to Supersport displacement. There has been a lot of interest but this is a project that is progressing, and can progress through the years to expand with different manufacturers, teams… we want to create a destination where female riders from around the world can join the Championship and find professional success. That means we can also explore new ways to promote the motorcycle industry. If we start from zero, we can be more creative. Like I said from my side, I will put in my full commitment to make it happen and to make it work at the standard that we want, and hopefully, we can be successful and enjoy it.”

Françoise Emery, FIM CEO: “We created a commission for women in motorcycling more than twenty years ago now so it is not really anything new in the FIM. We try to promote and support the women in motorcycle racing. What we try to do is offer female riders all opportunities and possibilities for them to ride, and as mentioned by the FIM President, we already have championships in Motocross, Enduro and Trial. So now we are pleased to launch a women’s Championship in circuit racing.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We are used to making announcements in extraordinary Press Conferences, and today is an extraordinary one! After much reflection, we have taken a decision, along with the FIM, which is very important both for us and for the future of the motorcycling world.

“We’re very happy to announce this project and be part of this important initiative, the FIM Women’s Motorcycle Racing World Championship.”

Source: WorldSBK.com

The music has started and at the moment, there are plenty of seats ready and waiting, but that is guaranteed to change. As the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is three rounds out of 12 into the season, the European leg is well underway and with that comes plenty of market talks. From futures hanging in the balance and at a cross-roads to the majority of the field looking to strike a deal for next year, we summarise the situation with what we know so far.

SIGNED. SEALED. DONE DEAL: future secured for…

One rider on the current grid has a contract for 2024 and that is the most successful World Superbike rider of all-time, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK). The six-time World Champion inked a two-year contract extension in 2022 which sees him through 2023 and until the close of 2024. However, his teammate is not decided for 2024 yet.

HOLDING THE CARDS: Bautista and Razgatlioglu are potential changes

Reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is in his second season back in Ducati, having signed a one-year extension in 2022. However, Bautista teased his future during the Pirelli Dutch Round at Assen, saying that he “doesn’t have a clear idea” about 2024. In his Sunday debrief, he stated that he would “take a decision” after the third round, and that “personal life is becoming more special and more important” with his wife and two daughters, as the latter grow up.

In blue, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) is arguably one of the riders who holds all of the cards; his MotoGP™ test at Jerez in April was impressive, with him being just 1.7s off Dani Pedrosa and KTM at top spot, whilst he was 0.6s behind Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow. Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director commented that Toprak was one of the “prime candidates” for the factory MotoGP™ should current rider Franco Morbidelli’s form not improve, whilst Razgatlioglu himself has confirmed that a move to MotoGP™ is a “dream” in 2024. Toprak’s manager, five-time WorldSSP Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, stated that the 2021 World Champion “wasn’t built” for MotoGP™ and that he believes that Razgatlioglu will remain in World Superbike. Sofuoglu also spoke to Italian media, stating that his ideal situation would be to renew with Yamaha in WorldSBK, with a decision made by Barcelona, but that two other factories are interested.

OTHER FACTORY SEATS: what’s the situation so far?

Let’s start with the reigning World Champions, Ducati: Alvaro Bautista looks set to continue with them or step away from racing for more time with his family, with a decision to be reached by Barcelona. So, what about his current teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi? Rinaldi signed a one-year extension in 2022 for this year and was the final factory rider confirmed. Last year, Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) made it clear he wanted the ride and has stated again that he hopes his rides in 2023 have already caught the attention of factory teams. He’s currently fourth in the standings, Rinaldi lies sixth. Besides that, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) stated that he’d like to get on a factory bike in 2024 and Nicolo Bulega has been impressive in WorldSSP; could he be in-line to move up like those before him who have gone on to win the WorldSSP title?

In the other factories, Alex Lowes’ (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has his contract finish at the end of the 2023 season with Kawasaki, so he is up for renewal. Both Team HRC riders, Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, also have their contract up for renewal at the end of this season. Team boss Leon Camier has always spoke highly of both riders, especially Lecuona’s natural talent and ability to learn new track and ride in low-grip situations. At the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Scott Redding is in his second season of what is a “multiple year” deal, although the length hasn’t been confirmed. For current teammate Michael van der Mark, he stated that he’d like to continue with BMW but his injury at Assen definitely came at the wrong time.

INDEPENDENTS: everyone up for renewal

Like the factory seats up for grabs (besides Jonathan Rea), all Independent riders have a contract for 2023 only. Some are understood to have potential options to remain whilst for others, we await exactly what the situation is. Don’t forget, as the motorcycle racing season evolves, riders from various Championships will be linked to WorldSBK. In 2023, riders joined the grid from MotoGP™, British Superbikes, MotoAmerica, MotoE™ and of course, graduating from World Supersport.

Summarised 2024 rider line-up with 2022 riders confirmed. TBA = to be announced

Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK: Jonathan Rea and TBA

All remaining teams: TBA

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Source: WorldSBK.com

With a week to go until the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship ignites for round four of the season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, one rider gets a chance to showcase himself at the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in MotoGP™. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) will have big boots to fill as he replaces eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez in the Repsol Honda Team this weekend, with the #93 out injured following a first-round crash at Portimao. 

From Assen to Jerez. From @WorldSBK to @MotoGP. @LecuonaIker is ready for the #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/28ZiRJsuqD

— Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) April 27, 2023

Lecuona has plenty of experience in the MotoGP™ paddock, with two podiums achieved in Moto2™ before he graduated up to the premier class, where he’d become a top six finisher and regular top ten contender in what was his final season in 2021. He then switched to WorldSBK and the factory Honda outfit, where he instantly impressed with a first podium of the season during round two at Assen. In 2023, he’s been luckless in the last two rounds with crashes catching him out, but ahead of racing in Barcelona, he’ll have the chance to prove himself in MotoGP™.

Speaking ahead of the weekend on Thursday afternoon, Lecuona was somewhat surprised at the chance to return to MotoGP™ for a round: “The feeling was crazy, honestly! I don’t understand a lot about this, maybe one and a half days. When I got told the news, wow, it was a big surprise for me. I didn’t expect it as I expected that Marc is here and that I am at home. I said yes, of course. It’s my dream team. It’s an amazing opportunity so thanks to Honda, Team HRC and Box Repsol; I appreciate it a lot that they’ve given me this opportunity. I’ll try to enjoy because I think that is what this opportunity is for.”

Continuing about what he hopes to get out of this weekend and if he has set any goals, Lecuona commented: “I don’t have any expectations, I’ll just try to enjoy. It’s the first time in two years that I’m back in this paddock and on these bikes, so there are a lot of new things to understand. It’s also the first time with Honda and this machine. I need to learn and we’ll see how Friday goes. I am very excited to start!” 

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport 300 World Championship 2023 season got underway at the TT Circuit Assen with the Pirelli Dutch Round and the racing action was as unpredictable ever. Despite all the fights and drama in both races, Czech rider Petr Svoboda (Fusport – RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki) claimed a historic double at Assen to start his season in style, taking a maximum 50 points from the first round of the season.

Svoboda took 11^th in Saturday’s Tissot Superpole session which was held in mixed conditions. The track started off damp with riders on wet-weather tyres but it soon dried up with riders switching to slick tyres halfway through the 20-minute session. Svoboda’s best time was a 1’53.588s, 2.3 seconds down on polesitter Matteo Vannucci’s (AG Motorsport Italia Yamaha) time.

In Race 1, Svoboda was able to fight in the lead group and was running in second place on the final lap before Samuel Di Sora (ProDina Kawasaki Racing) made an error when trying to break away from the chasing group, with Svoboda taking the lead before holding on to claim his first victory in WorldSSP300. He also secured the Czech Republic’s best result in the Championship, beating Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) when he took third at the Autodrom Most in 2021.

Race 2 was another dramatic affair and the results changed after the flag due to several last-lap track limits infringements. Svoboda had initially crossed the line in third place behind Humberto Maier (Yamaha MS Racing/AD78 Latin America Team) and Vannucci, but the pair were deemed to have exceeded track limits on the final lap. Maier was demoted one spot to second place, and Vannucci from second to third, promoting Svoboda to victory.

Reflecting on his Race 1 success, Svoboda said: “The race was difficult for me because I struggled in Superpole because it was held in mixed conditions. I wanted to be in the first group as soon as possible from the start. I made some pace and waited for the last five laps. I didn’t expect this, but it comes. I was second but Samuel Di Sora made a mistake at Turn 7, I think, and then I managed to overtake him on the back straight and then to stay in P1 and finish first. I didn’t expect this victory because my target was to finish every race in the top ten or the top five. This is special. I think it will be good to stay in the top ten or top five positions every race.”

Watch more WorldSSP300 action throughout 2023 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is three rounds in, but for one rider, there’ll be some extra MotoGP™ World Championship action at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) will replace Marc Marquez in the factory Repsol Honda Team at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, with the Valencian rider being called up to stand-in for the eight-time World Champion.

Marquez suffered an injury in the season-opening Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao when he collided with Miguel Oliveira at Turn 3 on the second lap. Whilst this resulted in a penalty for Marc, the Spaniard also suffered a fracture to the first metacarpal in his right hand and has been out of action since. Lecuona on the other hand has been in the opening three rounds of WorldSBK and with a best result so far of sixth at Phillip Island during round one. Tough weekends at Mandalika and Assen followed, but the 23-year-old is relishing an opportunity to return to the MotoGP™ paddock this weekend, even with big boots to fill.

Lecuona started his career in the MotoGP™ paddock before moving over to WorldSBK for the 2022 season. A top six finisher in the premier class back in 2021 aboard KTM machinery as well as five other top ten finishes, the #7 also had two Moto2™ podiums to his name. At Jerez, he’s never scored points in the premier class but has two top ten results from his Moto2™ appearances in 2018 and 2019.

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is picking up pace as the European leg of the season begins. Round three at the TT Circuit Assen always provides talking points and this year’s numbers back-up that fact. With Ducati making more statistical waves, new names coming good and unexpected dips in performance, what do the stats tell us as the dust settles at Assen?

700 – Alvaro Bautista’s (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) win in Race 2 was the 700^th different race podium Ducati have been on.

400 – Ducati managed a 400^th win in WorldSBK when Alvaro Bautista took victory in Race 2.

104 – Points scored by Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) in 2023 after nine races, 20 more than the same stage last year and 59 more than in 2021. Ironically, in his rookie season, Locatelli was 104 points behind the Championship leader in 2021; it was Jonathan Rea then. This year, he’s 31 ahead of the #65.

101 – Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) is 101 points behind the Championship leader after nine races. It’s the first time after nine races he’s been more than 100 behind since his rookie 2009 season, when he was 136 behind.

90 – 90^th career podium for Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) with P2 in Race 2 at Assen.

71 – For the 71^st time, Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu stood on the podium together. That’s two behind the outright record of shared podium: Rea with Chaz Davies, 73.

40 – Bautista’s Race 2 win was his 40^th, meaning he’s achieved exactly 10% of Ducati’s win.

34 – Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) has 34 points in 2023, one point less than at the same stage in 35. Since the M 1000 RR has been in action, the highest number of points scored after nine races is 51 in 2021, by Tom Sykes.

25 – Rea set a new record for single circuit podiums: 25, one more than he has at Portimao and Aragon.

10 – Andrea Locatelli took his tenth WorldSBK podium, putting him level on total podiums Simon Crafar and Max Neukirchner in the 50^th place of all-time.

10 – There were no Hondas inside the top in either full races. The last time that happened was at Magny-Cours 2020, when their best finish was a 12^th by Alvaro Bautista in Race 1.

9 – Locatelli has now achieved nine consecutive top five finishes at the start of the season.

6 – Six poles for Bautista, who is now level with John Kocinski and Cal Crutchlow.

6 – Remy Gardner’s (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) sixth in Race 2 was his best result so far in 2023, the first top six by an Australian rider in WorldSBK since Anthony West’s P5 at Sepang in Race 2, 2016.

5 – The triple at Assen was Bautista’s fifth in WorldSBK, after Phillip Island 2019, Buriram 2019, Barcelona-Catalunya 2022, Phillip Island 2013 and Assen 2023. 

4 – Best result in WorldSBK by a Swiss rider, Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) took fourth in Race 2, beating Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing). Bassani is fourth in the Championship, with 77 points and top Independent.

3 – Three points for Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) with 13^th in Race 2, his best finish of 2023.

1 – Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) scored his first point of the season in Race 2 at Assen. He moves into the top ten in terms of points-scoring length: his first points came as a seventh at Brands Hatch in 2008’s Race. The interval is now at 14 years, eight months and 20 days. If he scores points after August 3^rd, his spell will be at over 15 years.

A breath-taking season is well underway, watch it all unfold in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The Pirelli Dutch Round at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands played host to round thee of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and as usual, there were plenty of stories to get our teeth into from the Sunday afternoon debriefs. From rivals talking about tactics, a Champion’s future in doubt and a famous MotoGP™ chicane showdown replica, here are Assen’s hot headlines.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I said after the third round, I’ll take my decision… personal life is becoming more special, more important”

With his future not decided, we can expect an announcement about Alvaro Bautista’s plans soon: “Before the season started, I said after the third round, I’ll take a decision. I’ll have one and a half weeks at home with my daughters and I’ll ask them what their opinion is. My daughters start to get older and they realise that daddy is out, travelling, not at home, so it’s not easy. I’m really happy with my performance and my professional life, but now the personal life is becoming more special and more important. I’ll try to take a decision for me, my family and the team as soon as possible.”

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): ”I push so hard but don’t get what I want”

Andrea Locatelli mounted the Assen podium for the third year running but stated it’s getting harder: “It’s a good track for me as it flows, but this year for me was more difficult than last year and the first year. In 2021, I had an incredible rhythm here and I was fighting for the podium in the Superpole Race. It’s not easy in Superbike and I think that the track conditions were a little bit different with respect to 2021. Every weekend, every year, something is different. Sometimes I find some difficulties with the bike, and I am fighting a lot with it, and in the past, it was easier to get a podium. Now, I have more confidence and I push so hard but don’t get what I want. This is a bit difficult, but I think I can show my talent and, in each weekend, we’re consistent and I don’t make mistakes.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): “I asked Jonny “why didn’t you attack?”, then I can join the game”

2021 World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu was talking tactics in his debrief after another battle with his fellow ‘titanic trio’ members: “After the Superpole Race, I asked Jonny “why didn’t you attack?” because if he attacks, then I can join the game. I am also riding on the limit, if he tries to attack then maybe we are fighting for the win. But he didn’t try and in Race 2, I said ‘enough’, because I’m just following these riders; I didn’t wait for the first lap for the tyres, I just attacked and after a few laps, he passed me again. I tried my best in the race and at the beginning, I’m pushing 200%. Everyone is doing their best, but it wasn’t good for Jonny with a crash in Race 2; he’s on the limit like me.”

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “It was in his interest that I disturbed Alvaro’s rhythm… we need a major update”

Responding to Razgatlioglu’s ‘lack of attack’ comment, Jonathan Rea stated it wasn’t possible: “Of course it was in his interest that I disturbed Alvaro’s rhythm but it’s impossible! Barring barging into him, there was no way passed. Recovering from Turn 5… you can see on TV what myself and Toprak are doing but we only get there, and then it’s the same thing. Alvaro’s doing a great job and he’s got a great tool, so to pass someone like that when you’re already on your limit, holding your breath, biting the screen, it’s too much risk and you’ve got to think about putting yourself at risk.”

Answering to what Kawasaki can do besides a big update, Rea was clear there’s just one option: “We need a major update, it’s clear. I am positive because I am doing my best, but do you want me to tell you positive as in fight for a win and make it interesting? No. I can’t; it’s too far. Their advantage is too much. Kawasaki need to work, a lot, but I’m positive that I’m doing a good job, and so is Alex. We’re showing that we’re making progress but it’s not enough, we need a big step. Alvaro’s doing a fantastic job at managing the race; when you don’t have to be 100%, you’re not consuming tyre, energy – he can say what he likes, he’s sitting in the middle of the seat, his body language… he’s riding in harmony, it’s effortless. When you’re over your head, you consume a lot, mostly tyre. So, when you have a dip, he doesn’t. They’re doing fantastically well; we need to step up.”

Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing): “I tried to copy Rossi and Marquez, but I’m not Valentino!”

Always laughing and looking on the bright side, Axel Bassani once again stole the show, lighting up the media debriefs with a famous MotoGP™ chicane showdown: “We arrived at the last chicane, touched and I went straight. I tried to copy Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez, but I’m not Valentino! The penalty is correct; I tried to stay ahead of Dominique, but he was better than me in the final three laps. In the next race, we’ll try and stay in front. I’m not happy as I tried to stay with Locatelli to fight for the podium, but it was really difficult; Yamaha at this track are really fast. One Ducati was really fast, with Alvaro, but the other Ducatis were struggling a bit. Two top five results at this circuit is good for us. Sixth in the Superpole Race is good as it’s not really my race! We are really near to the podium, but we need to understand what we need to get there, and we’ll try to find a solution.”

Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team): “It was a clean move, this is 1-1!”

Talking about his battle with Bassani in Race 2, Aegerter joked how a previous fight in the Superpole Race had now levelled things up: “It was a clean move. He didn’t close too much to be honest but for sure I tried to ride on the perfect line to keep the pace. He had a great bike in the first part of the race but in the last five laps of the race, he’s much slower but to overtake, it’s still not easy! This morning, I passed him in one corner but then he got me back, so I think this is 1-1 now!”

Michael Ruben Rinaldi: “I’m not scared that in Barcelona or Misano, I won’t be there… I’ll be back”

A disastrous weekend for Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who detailed his woes: “This weekend has been the toughest. The problem technically was that in the braking zone, I did the same thing as before but the bike answers differently. The first thing I did was ask the team to check the bike as there’s something wrong. They didn’t find anything, so we started working like normal. Already in FP1, we wanted to make a change that helped me in the Barcelona test already, but we didn’t have time. The plan for FP2 was try a modification for the setting to find what I need. On the opening lap, I had a technical issue so I couldn’t try it. Then FP3 was wet. In Superpole, we don’t have time and you’re pushing 120%. So, the first time that we tried the solution was in Race 1. The problem was that it wasn’t the solution and I raced with the same problem, so Race 1 was my FP2.

“We tried something new for Sunday, and we improved a little bit, and I’m happy that we stayed calm, focused and how we worked. We can’t always pretend that in Free Practice we can improve the bike. This weekend, I couldn’t ride the bike, I improved during the weekend. My time of Race 2 was enough for top five in Race 1. It’s something that is unlucky and that we were slow to find a solution, but we didn’t find a solution. I’m m not scared that in Barcelona or Misano, I won’t be there. I’m just worried that if we’re unlucky, we’re not ready to face it. My bike and team are strong; I’ll be back.”

A breath-taking season is well underway, watch it all unfold in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Race 2 in the FIM Supersport World Championship came to an early end for Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) at the TT Circuit Assen during the Pirelli Dutch Round when he crashed with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) on the opening lap. Oncu was taken to the medical centre following the crash where he was diagnosed with multiple fractures to his left forearm, while Montella was penalised for his role in the crash.

Oncu started Race 2 from fifth place with Montella in seventh place and the pair were alongside each on the run into the right-hander of Turn 1. In the braking area, Montella moved to the inside of Oncu but the Italian, who was teammates with Oncu in 2022 at Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, was out of shape and hit the Mandalika Race 1 winner with both riders going into the gravel and out of the race. The FIM WorldSBK Stewards opted to investigate the incident.

Following their investigation, Montella was penalised with a double Long Lap Penalty to be taken in the next race he participates in. Oncu was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash and he was diagnosed with fractures to his left arm: a fracture of the distal ulna and a fracture to the proximal radius.

Reacting to the crash, Oncu said: “I started strong and was heading into the first corner but as soon as I began to lean into the turn, I was hit by another rider and crashed. It was a serious, high-speed crash and I immediately realised that I’d hurt myself. Now all I can do is follow the indications of the doctors in the hope I can be back on track as soon as possible.”

Oncu had started the weekend strongly and topped the times in Friday’s two practice sessions in the combined classification, posting a 1’37.591s to lead ahead of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) in second by just 0.005s. He took fifth place in Saturday’s Tissot Superpole session but quickly found himself in the lead battle in the first half of the race before dropping back through the field to finish in seventh.

After the race, Montella said: “There’s not much to say about today’s race. Unfortunately, I made a mistake in braking and was too aggressive after making a good start, losing the bike and also hitting Can Oncu. I immediately apologised to him and his team, but I also want to say sorry to my own team. We’ll now work to prepare for Barcelona and try to find a little peace of mind.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport World Championship returned to action at the TT Circuit Assen for the Pirelli Dutch Round, the third round of the season, and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) continued where he left off after the first two rounds of the season. He claimed two wins at the historic Dutch circuit to take his tally of victories in 2023 to four and to extend his Championship lead to 37 points.

Bulega claimed pole position with a lap record at the TT Circuit Assen as he set a 1’36.900s, two tenths clear of nearest rival Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team). The pair had an early battle in Race 1 but Bulega was able to pull away from the field to claim victory, before a similar story in Race 2. He won both races with a more than four second margin to second place, which was Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in Race 1 and Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) in Race 2.

Reacting after his Race 2 victory, Bulega said: “It’s an incredible. More perfect than this is impossible. I want to say a huge thanks to my team because the bike was incredible. All weekend, it was perfect. I really enjoyed riding my bike all weekend at this incredible track. I love Assen. I want to enjoy this moment, but I also want to stay focused because the Championship is still very long, so I want to continue in this way and try to be fast in every race. I had to stay very focused because it was very easy to make a mistake in this situation. When you are alone, you have to stay focused on yourself and on your bike. It’s difficult. I’m happy because we didn’t make any mistakes.”

Bulega is the only repeat winner so far in the 2023 campaign and has four race wins to his name, while Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Caricasulo have the other two. In the Championship standings, Bulega moves onto 127 points out of a possible 150 available after three rounds, and he is 37 points clear of Manzi in second place. Bulega’s fourth win put him level with Jamie Whitham, Chris Vermeulen, Kevin Curtain and Lorenzo Baldassarri in 23^rd place in the all-time list of WorldSSP winners, while it was also his 14^th podium in the Championship.

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Source: WorldSBK.com