Although running was limited at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for Toprak Razgatlioglu’s debut with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, the #54 was able to give his first thoughts on the test and the BMW M 1000 RR machine. After Monday’s action concluded – which turned out to be his second day on the bike rather than first as initially planned – the 2021 Champion reviewed his test, explained the main differences between the Yamaha and BMW machines and where he would like to improve ahead of a second test at Jerez this week as well as sending a menacing message to his rivals.

TEST IN REVIEW: “Positive… I hope for dry conditions at Jerez to try the other parts”

Monday turned out to be the Turkish star’s second day on the bike after getting a few laps in on Sunday. Reviewing his second day, where his running was still limited, Razgatlioglu said: “Today we are riding but not in fully dry conditions. In general, I’m feeling happy because it was a very positive test. I’m feeling like the bike is much better because, on Sunday, I rode the bike for the first time but only 11 laps. Today, we changed something, and the feeling is very good. I had a strange crash at Turn 5. I tried hard braking, the rear came up, went down and after it started sliding a lot. I crashed on the left side but not a big crash. After, I’m riding again to make sure I understand the bike. We did a very good lap time with these track conditions. I enjoyed it. I didn’t do many laps; 19 on Monday and 11 on Sunday. We are learning. This bike, after four years in blue, is completely different. I’m starting to adapt. I felt the front was much better than before and especially the engine braking is unbelievable. We used a different map. Finally I feel the engine brake! Very positive. We need more laps with this bike for the setup because we have many parts, but we don’t have the time to try them. I hope for dry conditions at Jerez to try the other parts.”

THE MAIN DIFFERENCES: “Engine brake is unbelievable… the bike is very fast on the straight!”

BMW are the third manufacturer Razgatlioglu has ridden for, having made his debut with Kawasaki and spent two seasons on the ZX-10RR for the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing outfit, before switching to the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK squad from 2020 to 2023; claiming the 2021 title. After two days of limited running under his belt, the Turk explained the differences between his old Yamaha YZF-R1 machine and his new M 1000 RR bike

He said: “The biggest difference is the engine brake is unbelievable and also the other biggest difference is the bike is very fast on the straight. This is good because it’s the first time I’m feeling power. I’m very happy about this. I don’t know about the aero but maybe I’m feeling it on the last corner exit, going uphill. I’m feeling the bike isn’t wheelieing but maybe this is helping; I don’t really understand it. I’m just focused on entering the corner and acceleration. Maybe I need more laps to understand the wings. I think it’s helping through the exit of the last corner. With the Yamaha, I was always trying to have more lean because of the wheelie but with the BMW, I’m not fighting. On the corner exit, I’m feeling power and, after the hill, I’m feeling power still; the bike’s accelerating more. Under braking for Turn 1, I’m also happy now because I start to lean, I feel the engine brake a lot and now it’s a very positive test. I need more laps. I tried my best and explain the bike, explain some problems. We are immediately improving. I need more time.”

THE NEXT STEPS: Jerez awaits, what will Razgatlioglu work on?

After Portimao, the factory BMW squad head to Jerez for two more days of testing at the Spanish venue on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, where both rider and team will hope for better conditions to get more milage under their belts. Despite the limited running, the #54 was able to explain where he would like to find some potential improvements as he gets set for a 2024 campaign on the German manufacturer’s bike.

Expanding on where he will aim for gains, the 27-year-old said: “It’s not possible to comment on this today because everywhere was wet. We did good lap times, but fast lap times were impossible because of the weather. It was my first time riding and I didn’t understand the bike. Today, we used a different setup and I’m happier, but the track conditions weren’t good, and I didn’t push for a good lap time. We didn’t use the softer tyres. In general, I’m happy. If I’m riding the track on good conditions, I think I’ll do a good lap time because the front feeling when I enter the corner is much better. The traction’s working very well. I have more power. Maybe we need to improve turning. It looks like it’s okay but I’m not trying to push hard because everywhere is wet.”

WARNING SENT: already aiming high

After so few laps on the bike, you could forgive a rider for being a bit coy about the potential of the rider and bike package. However, Razgatlioglu was not as he fired a warning shot to his rivals: “We are not far away. I’ll say just this. We are coming.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

After another successful season in 2023, aspiring young racers can now sign up for the renamed 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup, which will once again support selected rounds of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.

Register for the 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup by clicking here.

After its inaugural campaign in 2021, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship opened the door to World Championship racing for several young riders, including the 2023 winner Italian Emiliano Ercolani, plus victors Brazilian Enzo Valentim (2022) and Spaniard Iker Garcia Abella (2021).

After attracting ten overseas riders to compete in the championship during 2023, for 2024, the one-make series has a new name to reflect its growing nature and global appeal more accurately, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup, as it continues to represent the perfect opportunity for young riders from around the world to showcase their ability on the world stage.

You can follow in these riders’ footsteps and pursue your dream of racing full-time by signing up to join the 2024 R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup grid and become a part of Yamaha’s award-winning bLU cRU program that forms the foundation of the Yamaha Racing pyramid, which is designed to cultivate the next generation of young riding talent in road and off-road racing.

It creates the perfect platform for young riders to benefit from professional coaching, technical support, and mentoring from some of the biggest names in racing, designed to encourage, develop, and nurture the stars of tomorrow while providing an uninterrupted career path from national to world championship level, with over 600 youngsters benefitting from the scheme in 2023.

Open to riders aged 14-20, the 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup will run alongside six rounds of the WorldSBK campaign, giving youngsters the perfect platform to showcase their talent in front of the top teams and riders.

Provisional 2024 R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup Calendar

TBA: Preseason Test
22-24 Mar: Barcelona, Spain
19-21 Apr: Assen, The Netherlands
14-16 Jun: Misano, Italy
12-14 Jul: Donington, United Kingdom
06-08 Sep: Magny-Cours, France
27-29 Sep: Aragon, Spain

This talent doesn’t go unnoticed, with a number of former bLU cRU riders lining up on the grid during the 2023 WorldSSP300 Championship alongside several of the current crop of talented youngsters getting the opportunity to run as wild cards.

At each race weekend, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup riders will be based at the dedicated bLU cRU village inside the WorldSBK paddock. All entrants will receive coaching and technical support, while Yamaha R3 machinery and a complete riding package, including race leathers, gloves, boots, helmet, tyres and fuel, are provided, with season entry fees of just €30,500 (Euros).

The overall champion will earn a place on the 2025 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship grid with full Yamaha Motor Europe support, providing they are over the minimum age for entry into the class. Second in the standings will be offered a 50 percent discount on their 2025 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup registration, while the rider who finishes third will receive a 25 percent discount.

A number of riders will also be selected from the championship to attend the exclusive VR46 Yamaha Master Camp in Italy, where they will receive coaching from the same team responsible for advising the VR46 Academy Riders. 

Following the success of this year’s series, interest is expected to be high, and with only 30 grid slots available for the 2024 season, early sign-up is essential to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Register for the 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup by clicking here.

Source: WorldSBK.com

The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is hosting some testing for some MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship teams, including the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team as Toprak Razgatlioglu makes his much-anticipated debut on the M 1000 RR. Originally slated to just test on Monday, the #54’s BMW career actually started on Sunday and you can read his thoughts here. Speaking on Sunday in Portugal, Team Principal Shaun Muir reflected on the 2021 Champion’s arrival, late decisions to amend their test programme and more as he praised BMW’s test team for the work they’ve done.

HECTIC SUNDAY: “Great to see the #54 going down pitlane on the BMW”

Razgatlioglu’s first taste of the BMW came on Sunday which wasn’t initially planned. Explaining his thoughts on seeing ‘El Turco’ on the bike, and the late decision to test on Sunday, Muir said: “It’s a bit of a surprise, we didn’t expect to be on track on Sunday. We planned for Monday, but we had an opportunity to get some track time, so we took that. We did a few installation laps. We literally had three or four 20-minute sessions. We did exactly what we wanted to do: get him on the bike, making him feel at home. We weren’t looking for anything more than that initial feedback. He’s certainly going to have a lot of things he’ll want to change because it’s completely new to him. All in all, it was well worth the opportunity we took.”

“It’s nervous for everyone”, Muir added when talking about the team’s feeling. “We’ve been waiting for this time for quite a few months now. We would’ve hoped to have been on track earlier. We’re here in December and it’s not the best conditions. Of course, everyone’s excited. It’s great for the team. There was a little bit more pressure on Sunday morning, because we fully expected to be doing more promo and videos and photographs, but that didn’t happen. It was a mad four hours from when we decided we’d go for it. We had to mobilise quickly, get everything up to temperature, get the guys ready to roll and it was quite hectic! Because of the quick turnaround, it took away the nerves and we just got on with it. It was great to see him get on the bike and see the #54 going down pitlane on the BMW.”

“THE FEEDBACK WE GOT IS WHAT WE EXPECTED” – no surprises for BMW

A rider’s first thoughts on what their new bike can be crucial for both rider and team, but in this case, it seems like the Turkish star’s first thoughts were aligned with what Muir expected: “We saw what he was up against in 2023 here at this circuit, with his fight against Alvaro. The corners where he felt he was weak, he felt super strong. We know where we inherently are with this bike compared to the others on the grid. We know the strengths Toprak has, it’s engine braking, corner entry, hard braking. That’s an area where we need to step up and that’s going to be our focus. The feedback we got is what we expected.”

TWO VENUES, THREE DAYS: plenty to test including an engine upgrade

BMW are the last factory outfit to test looking to 2024, with other factories testing in November. Muir expanded on BMW’s test plan following their late start, saying: “We’ve got a day on Monday and then two days at Jerez, which we’ll probably turn out to be 1.5 by the time we get there and get mobilised. We have an engine upgrade. We’ve got other parts which are also here which we’ll look at over the course of the three days. The test team’s done a lot of evaluation work. That’s creating great positives. A big thumbs up to the test team and guys that have put some hard miles in. We’re hitting the track with parts that are ready to go so that’s a big plus for us. Mainly, for Monday, it’s about extending what we’ve done on Sunday. Ergonomically, getting the bike setup for Toprak. Going back to Mickey’s side, we’re just building on what he’s been doing from the backend of last year. We can’t forget he’s had those two big injuries and almost wiped his season out. This is kind of day one for the 2024 season for Michael. Both of them have identical material to test. We’ll get feedback from both. It’s a little bit of a move forward from when Bonovo tested straight after Jerez too, so we’ve already got the information from that to work from. In terms of the workload we’ve got, the guys are going to be busy. We’d like to think we’d get those 60-80 laps a day in if the weather looks after us. Over the course of the next three days, there’s no reason why we can’t come away and tick that big box and get the guys working for the January tests.”

TEST TEAM PRAISE: “Our time has to come… we’ve got the tools to do it and now’s the time”

BMW have shown their commitment to creating a winning package by introducing a test team, something Muir showered with praise when speaking in Portugal. He said: “BMW’s commitment has never been in question, and I think it’s about having to step up again. We’re having to step forward and higher like everyone else is doing in the Championship. No matter what we do, the opposition are doing the same. In terms of the test team, it’s been in the pipeline all year. BMW Motorrad made that commitment over a year ago and things don’t happen overnight. It’s taken a lot of time to get that established. They’ve had some very positive track time already. We know what they’ve been doing, and they’ve been putting some really hard work in and we’re starting to see the benefits of that. When we turn up at these tests here, we want to be focusing on what we’ll be running for next year. We want to be working on parts that have already been tested. We’re just doing the final evaluation on that. The guys that are running that have been in the BMW family for quite a number of years. I only see that as an extension of what we have here. There’s quite a few overlaps and input from people working with us this weekend here, and during a normal WorldSBK round, already involved with the testing team. I can only re-emphasise that all we’re trying to do is keep that pressure on, moving forward and staying with the opposition. We’ve got four fantastic riders. I’m super happy that I’ve got Toprak and Michael, that’s my focus. I just want to be talking after Phillip Island, Barcelona, the next tests and already making those steps because our time has to come. We’ve got the tools to do it and now’s the time.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport 300 World Championship grid could look vastly different in 2024 compared to the 2023 one. This season’s Champion, Jeffrey Buis, is on the move to KTM from Kawasaki, meaning a vacancy was available temporarily creating a knock-on effect up and down the grid. Here, we recap the moves that have been announced so far. Last updated: Monday, 4^th December.

CHAMPION ON THE MOVE: Kawasaki to KTM for Buis, race winner replaces him in WorldSSP300

Before he secured his second WorldSSP300 title, Jeffrey Buis’ future was already known. He’s departed the MTM Kawasaki squad, the team he won both Championships with, to move to the Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing outfit. A new team, new colours, and a new bike for the Dutchman to ride. His seat at MTM Kawasaki will be filled by Mirko Gennai, as he switches from Yamaha to Kawasaki as he looks to keep up the team’s remarkable success; the Italian will race alongside Loris Veneman for his second season. Elsewhere, 2021 Champions Arco Motor University Team have secured the services of Samuel Di Sora and will also promote Unai Calatayud from the Spanish championship for 2024.

RETURNING NAMES: Iglesias comes back, Calatayud secures full-time seat

Also announced was Inigo Iglesias’ return to WorldSSP300, after he raced and won in the IDM Supersport 300 championship this year. His Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki teammate was later announced as Czech star Petr Svoboda after his race-winning 2023 campaign. Team Flembbo – Pl Performances will continue with Kevin Sabatucci in 2024 while also signing Ruben Bijman from the Arco Motor University Team. ProDina Kawasaki Racing will line up with double Misano winner Bruno Ieraci and rookie Giacomo Zannini.

Announced riders so far

Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing: Jeffrey Buis

MTM Kawasaki: Loris Veneman and Mirko Gennai

Fusport – RT Motorsport by SKM – Kawasaki: Inigo Iglesias and Petr Svoboda

Team Flembbo – Pl Performances: Kevin Sabatucci and Ruben Bijman

Arco Motor University Team: Samuel Di Sora and Unai Calatayud

ProDina Kawasaki Racing: Bruno Ieraci and Giacomo Zannini

Re-watch some incredible moments from 2023 and get set for 2024 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

There was lots to celebrate from within the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock this year and it all culminated in a special FIM Awards ceremony as the three Champions from the paddock were rewarded for their success. The FIM Awards ceremony took place in Liverpool on Saturday with WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista, WorldSSP title winner Nicolo Bulega and two-time WorldSSP300 Champion Jeffrey Buis just a small number of riders who were celebrated by the FIM following their respective World Championships in 2023. Check out stunning pictures from the event in the UK in the gallery at the top of this page!

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The moment has finally arrived; 2021 WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) got to try the BMW M 1000 RR for the first time and he was overjoyed with the first impressions. Despite a mechanical issue after just two laps, the smile said it all for Razgatlioglu, who described the sensation of the power, the braking, the turning and the feeling within the team. It was originally planned that Razgatlioglu would test on Monday, 4^th December but with unpredictable weather coming, he and Shaun Muir’s team decided to get the ball rolling with a half a day of testing on Sunday.

“IT’S VERY POSITIVE… INSIDE THE TEAM, MY FEELING IS VERY WARM” – Toprak talks 

Beginning in his usual humorous fashion, the #54 was relieved to finally try the bike: “First, I say, finally! We were waiting for my contract to finish but finally, I’m riding a BMW. For me, it’s very positive, I like hard braking but the engine braking was working a lot. Inside the team, my feeling is very warm and everyone is a very good person, so I’m happy for this. The first day is done but I think the total was only 11 laps but it was important to have a feeling. The first ride was very good and positive.

“We tried to put my setup but today, we didn’t start it really because the bike wasn’t ready. We used half a day from 12pm. We had a problem and everyone said it was the engine but actually it was an oil problem. I lost time due to that but my last run was very positive as I rode eight laps. I learnt the bike as both this and my old one are different. I’m very happy as every lap I’m improving and learning the bike’s style. I need my style but in the slow corners, I feel better now.”

CAREER RECAP: BMW the third manufacturer for ‘El Turco’

Starting his WorldSBK career with Kawasaki – coincidentally with a first test at Portimao in 2017 – Razgatlioglu was a podium finisher in his first season in 2018, before becoming a race winner in 2019. He moved to the factory Yamaha team in 2020 where he won his first-ever race for them, whilst in 2021, he stopped Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki’s reign in the Championship, taking the crown. In 2022 and 2023, valiant efforts left him just short of Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), with a new challenge needed for the #54, thus his switch to BMW. However, one hot topic was the power of the BMW, which features engine upgrades for 2024.

“I FELT UNBELIEVABLE POWER” – the smile said it all…

“On the first lap, I was just smiling,” resumed a still-smiling Razgatlioglu. “Especially on the corner exit. I know my old bike very well after 4 years but on the exit of the last corner, I felt unbelievable power and over the hill, it was still going. This bike keeps getting faster. I had to adapt the braking at the first corner because I was trying it like I had before but I stopped a lot. Also, after the problem at Turn 1, there was oil on the left side of the track so we used the middle. This wasn’t easy for me to turn into Turn 1. Anyway, every lap I was getting better, understanding the bike and the traction. The throttle connection is much better. I’m very happy and we have many parts to try.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

All eyes are going to be glued to websites and social media the world over this weekend as a MASSIVE test debut awaits Toprak Razgatlioglu and the BMW M 1000 RR. Joining the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2024, the 2021 World Champion and flamboyant WorldSBK star will get his first taste of track action at the rollercoaster of Portimao. However, top BMW overall in 2023 was Garrett Gerloff and we briefly caught up with the American, who is already warning Toprak’s rivals of some fierce competition in 2024.

“IT’S REALLY COOL TO SEE BMW’S EFFORT INTO THE WHOLE PROGRAMME”

Starting with the wider changes within BMW for 2024, the Magny-Cours polesitter explained that it’s a good time to be part of an ‘exciting’ BMW group: “It’s really cool to see BMW’s effort into the whole programme; I know with Toprak coming and all the riders that are already here, we can move the programme forwards quite a bit. I think it’s going to be an exciting year for that.”

CHANGE IS HAPPENING ALREADY: WorldSBK success at the forefront of BMW’s thoughts

Within BMW’s 2024 WorldSBK commitment, there have been structural and operational changes. On the face of it, although Jurgen Roder and Michael Galinski’s Bonovo Action BMW were already closely tied to the factory team, they’ll now become a second factory team, receiving new material as the same time as the Shaun Muir-run squad and the same support. Within the teams already, a personnel change as Scott Redding moves to the Bonovo squad, taking with him electronics engineer Niklas Winkler. With Toprak, Phil Marron will follow as crew chief, having gone with the Turk when he originally joined Yamaha.

BEHIND THE SCENES: huge changes and commitment

In terms of wider personnel, Marc Bongers remains as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, although the roles of technical director and head of customer racing are created directly under him. The technical director will be Christian Gonschor whereas Uwe Geyer is the head of customer racing as well as head of marketing.

In terms of development, there will be a new test team too, with anticipation building as to who will be part of that team. The development facilities in both Munich and Berlin are likewise being expanded, with “synergies” between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and production development of the M 1000 RR enhanced, as BMW Motorrad Motorsport is on the same premises as the production development of the racing motorcycle.

Under Gonschor’s leadership, specialised teams have been created for the test team, chassis, engine, electronics and aerodynamics areas. These teams are primarily based in Munich, with specific workshops, test and development motorcycles, testbeds and wind tunnels at their disposal, ensuring optimal conditions for developing and testing the BMW M 1000 RR and new racing components. Engine development takes place at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin

“I SEE HIM BEING EXACTLY THE SAME, GOING JUST AS FAST OR MORE THAN LIKELY, FASTER!”

Specifically referring to what Razgatlioglu can expect to feel, the 28-year-old Texan doesn’t think ‘El Turco’ will have any qualms: “I think he’s going to like it! The steps that we’ve made with braking, I don’t think he’s going to feel too far away from where he was. Honestly, I don’t see him struggling at all; I see him being exactly the same, going just as fast or more than likely faster. I think he’ll gel with it really good and I’d be surprised if he wasn’t doing lap records in the second test.”

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Source: WorldSBK.com

One of the big moves for the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship was Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move from the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK team to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK Team for next season. The #54 has had to wait for his debut on the M1000RR machine but that wait finally comes to an end in early December as he gets his first two tests on his new bike at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve and the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.

THE FIRST TEST: a trip to Portimao

The first outing for the 2021 World Champion on the BMW machine will come at the ‘rollercoaster’ Portimao circuit, a venue where Razgatlioglu battled hard with Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) this year when on his Yamaha YZF-R1 machine. This takes place on Monday, December 4^th for a one-day test alongside teammate Michael van der Mark with the pair reunited after spending two seasons at Pata Yamaha together.

PORTUGAL TO SPAIN: two days at Jerez await

On December 5^th and 6^th, the factory BMW outfit head to southern Spain and the historic Jerez venue for two more days of testing, with the action coming thick and fast for both team and riders. The short trip from Portugal will give the Turk another two days on the M1000RR as he continues to adapt to his new bike, with his first two outings coming at very familiar circuits to everyone as he looks to get in the best possible shape for his new challenge.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR: big aero changes for Razgatlioglu…

Portimao and Jerez are venues the #54 likes, having enjoyed so much success there or putting up fierce fights against his rivals so having his first outings on the M1000RR machine at these circuits makes sense. The first big change for the Turk will be the aero changes, going from a Yamaha that doesn’t feature prominent aerodynamics to a BMW bike that has big winglets on the fairing. Then, of course, there’s adapting to a new bike in general that will have a different feel compared to what he’s ridden for the last four years. However, the 2021 Champion will be aided by long-term crew chief Phil Marron, who follows him to BMW and returns to Shaun Muir Racing.

IS ANYONE ELSE TESTING? HRC in Portugal, first taste of WorldSBK for Sam Lowes

Alongside the factory BMW team at Portimao, Team HRC will be there with regular riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, as the new-for-2024 Fireblade gets its second outing. There will also be a debut for Sam Lowes and the Marc VDS Ducati team, who get their first taste of WorldSBK action at Jerez during the same week. With the MotoGP™ campaign not finishing until the final weekend of November, the Brit has yet to get his hands on the Panigale V4 R and this changes at Jerez as he prepares for a maiden WorldSBK campaign.

Reference lap times:

Portimao pole/all-time lap record – 1’39.610s (Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki, 2022)

Portimao race lap record – 1’39.826s (Toprak Razgatlioglu, Yamaha, 2023)

BMW fastest Superpole time 2023 – 1’40.171s (Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

BMW fastest race time 2023 –1’40.358s (Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo Action BMW)

Jerez pole/all-time lap record – 1’38.247s (Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki, 2019)

Jerez race lap record – 1’39.004s (Alvaro Bautista, Ducati, 2019)

BMW fastest Superpole time 2023 – 1’39.164s (Scott Redding, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

BMW fastest race time 2023 – 1’40.429s (Scott Redding, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

Read BMW stablemate Gerloff’s preview of Razgatlioglu’s test HERE and follow all the WorldSBK off-season news in style using the comprehensive WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2023 FIM Supersport World Championship is in the history books, as is the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Nicolo Bulega and Jeffrey Buis won the respective Championships in stunning fashion, and both made history in their own right. However, there were other key numbers that came out from the season.

A NEW POINTS BARRIER MARKED: Bulega creates history

503 – Nicolo Bulega scored a record 503 points, the only rider in WorldSSP history to break the 500-point barrier

21 – Bulega’s tally of 21 podiums in a season is a record, beating Dominique Aegerter’s 2022 total by two

20.96 – The #11’s points per race average of 20.96 was the third-highest in WorldSSP history. Kenan Sofuoglu’s 21.23 from 2007 and Andrea Locatelli’s 22.20 from 2020 are the only records that better Bulega’s

19 – WorldSSP’s Turkish contingent slotted into fourth and fifth in the youngest riders to win list. Can Oncu’s win at Mandalika came when he was 19 years, 7 months, and 10 days old. Bahattin Sofuoglu won in Barcelona when he was 19 years, 8 months, and 19 days old

16/17 – Nicolo Bulega took 16 wins in 2023, only one shy of Dominique Aegerter’s record of 17

14 ­– There were 14 different riders on the podium in 2023. This is the joint-most in a season, tying with 1999

10 – Bulega’s 10 poles for the season equalled Cal Crutchlow and Sebastien Charpentier’s record from 2009 and 2005 respectively

10 – Bulega and Manzi finished 1-2 on 10 occasions in 2023, a new record; the previous was eight with Kenan Sofuoglu-Jules Cluzel and Aegerter-Lorenzo Baldassarri

6 – all six full-time manufacturers recorded at least one podium

5 – five different manufacturers stood on the top step in 2023: Ducati (17 wins), Yamaha (4), Honda, Kawasaki and MV Agusta (all with 1)

0.084 – the closest finish of the year, when Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) beat Bulega in an epic last-lap scrap at Portimao in Race 2

DOUBLE CHAMPION: unprecedented success for Buis

627 – Jeffrey Buis became the second rider to pass 500 career points in WorldSSP300; he now has 627, the most in WorldSSP300 history

226.7 – Dirk Geiger set a new top speed record on his KTM, hitting 226.7km/h at Portimao during Race 2

50 – Loris Veneman’s Aragon win meant he became the 50^th rider to stand on the WorldSSP300 rostrum

20 – Champion Buis matched the all-time record for WorldSSP300 podiums at 20, tying with compatriot Scott Deroue

17 –Veneman became the fourth-youngest winner when he won at Aragon in Race 1, at 17 years, 0 months and 14 days old. Aldi Mahendra (17 years, 1 month, 3 days) and Lennox Lehmann (17 years, 8 months, 1 day) also went into the top ten of youngest riders

16 – 16 different riders stood on the podium in 2023, only one behind the all-time record of 17 set in 2021

11 – The #6 broke the record for wins, with the Dutchman now on 11 in WorldSSP300. The next highest competitors are Ana Carrasco and Marc Garcia, with seven

9/3 – there were nine different race winners in 2023. Buis, Mirko Gennai, Bruno Ieraci, Petr Svoboda, Dirk Geiger, Lennox Lehmann, Mahendra, Matteo Vannucci and Veneman all claimed victory (the record is 10, in 2020). Three of these were wildcards – Ieraci’s double at Misano and Mahendra’s Most shock

5 – Kawasaki hit the milestone of five Riders’ Championships in WorldSSP300   

4 – Perez Gonzalez’s four podiums without a win puts him level with Inigo Iglesias and Humberto Maier

2 – Buis became the first rider to win two Riders’ Championships in WorldSSP300, backing up his 2020 success

0.049 – the closest podium of the year, coming at Aragon in Race 1 as Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) beat teammate Jeffrey Buis and Daniel Moegda (Kawasaki GP Project). Three of the top-ten closest podiums came in 2023: Aragon Race 1 (0.049s), Aragon Race 2 (0.097s) and Barcelona Race 1 (0.098s)

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Source: WorldSBK.com

“Winning a title is difficult but to defend it is even harder” were the wise, winning, World Champion words from Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) as he addressed an enormous Jerez crowd from the Paddock Show on the Saturday of the Prometeon Spanish Round. The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto hosted an epic final weekend of racing for the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship to go into the off-season in style. However, Bautista’s achievement of successfully defending the crown is not uncommon, although it’s not exactly regular either. So, which exclusive club does he join and who already holds membership?

THE FIRST ONE: Fred Merkel brings false illusions as WorldSBK ignites in 1988

Fred Merkel was the first-ever World Superbike Champion; the American rode for Honda and snatched the title away from Davide Tardozzi and Bimota in New Zealand, 1988, during the final race day of the season. Whilst he’d eventually finish 5.5 points clear of runner-up Fabrizio Pirovano, he’d repeat his success in 1989, again grabbing the Championship lead after Race 1 of the final round, again in New Zealand, this time beating Belgian rider Stephane Mertens and Ducati. Straight off the bat with two titles, this wasn’t a trend that’d continue.

DOUG POLEN’S DOUBLE: 1991 and 1992 for Ducati

Alvaro Bautista is one of just three riders who have won the WorldSBK title in back-to-back seasons for Ducati. Britain’s Carl Fogarty did it twice: the first in 1994 and 1995 before doing it again in 1998 and 1999. However, the first rider to achieve it was American Doug Polen in 1991 and 1992. He absolutely smashed the opposition in 1991, beating outgoing Champion Raymond Roche by 150 points and setting a new record for number of wins in a single season at 17 – only to be beaten by Bautista in 2023 – whilst in 1992, he beat Roche again but only by 35 points this time. Polen was a rarity in the list of Ducati’s back-to-back World Champions; he dominated both seasons and whilst ’92 mathematically went to the last round, it was unlikely he would be beaten. Sound familiar?

KING CARL: two separate occasions cemented history

After his first race win in 1992, Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty moved to Ducati in 1993, narrowly missing out on the title to arch-rival Scott Russell. However, 1994 wasn’t going to be a repeat and he wrapped it up at Phillip Island in Australia after Russell seemingly conceded in the final race of the year. With the #1 proudly displayed, ‘Foggy’ romped clear in 1995 with a certain invincibility about him. Crowned Champion in Race 2 at Sugo, Japan, with three rounds to go, he was in a class of his own.

However, breaking up a winning combination is something the Brit has spoken negatively of since, having learnt from a torrid 1996 campaign where he took just four wins and finished fourth overall in the Championship. 1997 was spent getting back up to speed with Ducati before a wide-open 1998 season saw him take just three race wins but surrounded by huge inconsistencies by his rivals. As low as sixth in the standings at one point, Fogarty pulled together after tough love from team boss Davide Tardozzi to take the title in the final race of the season, again at Sugo, becoming the first triple Champion in WorldSBK. In 1999, it was reminiscent of his 1995 campaign as he smoked the opposition, being crowned Champion at Hockenheim, taking his last race win. Four titles in groups of two, ‘Foggy’ would remain the last to do that for a long time.

REA ENDS THE WAIT FOR #1 TO STAY: a new era sweeps in to master the art of defence

Between Fogarty and 2015, four riders took multiple titles: Colin Edwards (2000 and 2002), Troy Bayliss (2001, 2006 and 2008), James Toseland (2004 and 2007) and Max Biaggi (2010 and 2012). Troy Corser also added to his 1996 crown with a title in 2005; the one common them? None could defend it the second season. So, in 2015, when Jonathan Rea signed for Kawasaki – at the time, the best package on the grid – it was hardly surprising that after the first title, he’d defend it successfully; 2016 was tight in the end at Lusail but he got the job done. However, to go on and win the next four season was something quite remarkable. In that time, he’d become the rider with the most wins in all of WorldSBK, win 84 races in his title-winning years alone and achieve 143 podiums in the same period. All with the #1 too; a rare sight to dominate year on year, let alone do it with the pride and confidence of a #1 slapped on the front of the bike. Even though the stats continued climbing from 2021 to 2023 – years he wasn’t Champion – the golden era in green is one of WorldSBK’s most iconic.

THE HISTORY BAUTISTA CAN MAKE IN 2024: could it be a third of many firsts?

So, after #TheReturn in 2022 and #TheDefence in 2023, what could 2024’s theme be? Well, whilst we wait for whatever concept it is, the 39-year-old stares down the barrel of making history. No Ducati rider has ever won three World Championships in consecutive years. In fact, the last time they won three titles in a row was in 1994, 1995 and 1996 but that was with two riders: Carl Fogarty and Troy Corser. As for Champions who have won three straight titles, Jonathan Rea is the only one – and he won six consecutively, which is a long way away from being beaten, of course all with the #1 too. Bautista became the first Spaniard to defend the title, thus eyes up history to become the first rider to make it three on the bounce. So, whether he becomes #TheMagician, #TheHeavyweight or the obscurely named #TheGrandfa from his MotoGP™ wildcard at Sepang, if he goes on to make it three on the spin, his place in history is secured.

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Source: WorldSBK.com