All eyes in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship have turned to 2024 already. With new regulations coming into force for next year, the off-season tests will be crucial in getting everything right before racing resumes. The 2024 Australian Round kicks off the season in late February but there will be plenty of track action before then as teams use their test days.

The first test comes days after the 2023 season concluded. With the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto hosting the season finale, several teams have opted to stay in Spain to complete two days of testing on October 31^st and November 1^st. It’ll be the first look at 2024, with Jonathan Rea at the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Team, Andrea Iannone with Team GoEleven as he returns to competition next year and Nicolo Bulega’s first public appearance with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad.

A few weeks later and Jerez hosts another two-day test on November 22^nd-23^rd, before Portimao gets involved at the start of December. Toprak Razgatlioglu will make his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team debut at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on December 4^th, joined by Michael van der Mark, before the team head to Jerez for two testing days straight after on the 5^th and 6^th.

There’s a bit of time off for everyone before, once again, venturing to the south of Spain and the iconic Jerez circuit. This time, the dates are January 24^th and 25^th for the test as it takes place just a month before the start of the season. Then, a few days later, there’s another two-day outing but this time at Portimao, taking place on January 29^th-30^th.

Of course, before the 2024 Australian Round, there’s an Official Test at the historic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, which takes place for WorldSBK and WorldSSP teams on February 19^th-20^th before the season starts on February 23^rd-25^th.

Confirmed testing dates

October 31^st-November 1^st – Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto

22^nd-23^rd November – Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto

December 4th – Autodromo Internacional do Algarve

December 5th-6^th – Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto

January 24^th-25^th – Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto

January 29^th-30^th – Autodromo Internacional do Algarve

February 23^rd-25^th – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Keep up to date with all the latest news and reactions from off-season testing using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Round 10 of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will feature racing across three series: WorldSBK, WorldSSP, and the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship. A five-year contract was signed between the Lombard circuit and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO), which secures their place in the Championship from 2024 to 2028. It was designed by Jarno Zaffelli’s Studio Dromo, which has a reputation for its work on prominent racetracks.

Located just south of Milan, Cremona Circuit is now set to undergo the homologation process and is actively preparing for this significant event by implementing several important modifications and improvements, including:

• Track Layout Enhancements: Changes to the layout of the track, with a notable focus on turns #11, #12, and #13.
• High-Quality Resurfacing: Refurbishing specific areas of the track with quality materials to enhance the track’s condition.
• Track Length Extension: An extension of approximately 90 meters to the track’s length to enrich racing dynamics.
• Spectator Facilities Expansion: Construction of new grandstands and public areas to accommodate the ever-growing WorldSBK fan base
• Modern Race Direction Facilities: The addition of a contemporary structure to house offices for Race Direction and support staff to manage the entirety of the event effectively.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, said: “WorldSBK is thrilled to introduce Cremona Circuit to the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The addition of Cremona to our calendar marks a significant milestone and we’re fully committed to delivering top-quality racing experiences to our fans. This five-year agreement stands as a clear testament to that unwavering dedication as we’re looking forward propelling this venue onto the global scene.”

Alessandro Canevarolo, Cremona Circuit CEO added: “We are really happy, excited and hyped for this new great challenge. It will be an opportunity to take an extra, important step to grow, and with great satisfaction bring back the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship to Lombardy, missing for ten long years. After some negotiations, we immediately got to work to make the necessary changes for hosting this major event. Together with the management, the goal is to create an event that can showcase the area, the region and represent Italy in all its values. The goal has been clear ever since I started this adventure eight years ago. We started from afar, facing every moment with great spirit, passion, and dedication. Only in this way were we able to fulfil the big dream: seeing the Superbike World Championship race on the asphalt of our Cremona Circuit.”

2023 might be in the history books but 2024 starts soon: follow the off-season action using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season concluded at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto and, after, the paddock headed to the gala to celebrate this year’s winners and Champions. From the three Riders’ Champions to the award victors, success was on show at this special event. Check out incredible pictures from the prize giving gala in the gallery at the top of this article!

2023 is over but 2024 starts straight away: get all the latest interviews and highlights from the Jerez test using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

While the focus of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s visit to the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto was on the title battle and emotional farewells, one rider was quietly making a small bit of history. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) had been threatening to have a weekend full of good results all season and he was finally able to put it together during the Prometeon Spanish Round as he took second in the Tissot Superpole Race and third in Race 2.

The #77 was strong in the build-up to the races and took a front row start in Saturday’s Tissot Superpole session, but he was unable to convert that in Race 1 due to a technical problem. It looked like the Tissot Superpole Race had gone the same way when his primary bike suffered an engine blowout, causing a red flag, but the Swiss star was able to take to the track on his second machine and finished in second for his first WorldSBK podium.

In Race 2, the double World Supersport Champion started from the front row, and he was able to go with the leaders as they battled it out for victory, finishing just a few tenths away from Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). He had dropped behind the charging Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) but the #21 fell back in the latter stages of the race, promoting Aegerter back into third.

Looking back on his weekend, Aegerter said: “It was amazing to finally take my first WorldSBK podium. We worked very hard with all the crew and team; they did a fantastic job. It wasn’t such an easy season. We started quite well, then I had some problems with arm pump, got crashed out and my shoulder was painful for a long time. This morning when I was second, it was a big pressure released. I was close to Bautista, and, at one point, I was thinking that maybe I could close the gap! I said I wanted to take my first podium and finally I got it. It was very emotional.

“Bautista and Razgatlioglu are very experienced. Me also, but not in WorldSBK. I think you could see that many tracks we went to this year, it was difficult to set up the bike with all the electronics than at tracks we already tested at. We were here at the start of the season, so we started at a higher level. To fight with them in Race 2 was fantastic. It was nice to see them fighting, I didn’t really want to make a strange mistake, because I enjoyed the battle!”

2023 is over but 2024 starts soon! Keep up to date with videos, interviews and highlights from the Jerez test using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) said goodbye to his team in style on Sunday at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The Turkish star claimed fourth in the Tissot Superpole Race and was part of an epic Race 2 battle with Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) which will live long in the memories of everyone who witnessed it, with a post-race penalty the only thing that could stop Razgatlioglu from leaving Yamaha with a victory. With the #54 joining BMW in 2024, he wanted to leave Yamaha on a high and he was able to do so during the Prometeon Spanish Round.

A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER: Razgatlioglu plays his part as 2023 comes to a close

After finishing second in Race 1 after starting from seventh, the 2021 Champion started Sunday by topping the Warm Up session by a tenth ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team). He again had to start from the third row for the Tissot Superpole Race, with Razgatlioglu making gains in the early stages but unable to take a podium. He would finish fourth – his first non-podium finish of the season – but that gave him a platform for Race 2 which would turn into one of the best ever races.

In Race 2, Razgatlioglu battled with Bautista throughout with the #54 always able to respond to his rival’s attacks and challenges. The Yamaha star thought he’d been able to sign off from Yamaha with victory, but a post-race penalty for exceeding track limits on the final lap on the exit of Turn 13 demoted the #54 to second. After an incredible race, the 2021 Champion was visibly emotional in parc ferme, and those emotions continued as he reflected on an unforgettable race.

HIS VIEW ON THE RACE: “Everybody could see I gave more than 100%, just like at Portimao”

Discussing the battle with Bautista, he said: “I passed the chequered flag in P1, this is good for me. I touched the green for track limits, but I didn’t understand as I felt the bike sliding. Maybe, after sliding, I touched it. I didn’t gain an advantage, but rules are rules. For my last day with Yamaha, I just tried to finish in a good position. I needed to try to have good memories of my last race and winning with Yamaha. I’m a little bit sad, but I did a very good job. I gave more than 100% just like at Portimao; I am really fighting with him. I needed some luck because, in the last two races, I didn’t have luck. I’m sad but generally happy for my last race with Yamaha, because everybody could see I gave more than 100%.”

THE RAZGATLIOGLU-YAMAHA PARTNERSHIP CONCLUDES: four seasons, 100 podiums, 37 wins, one World Championship

The chequered flag at the end of Race 2 brought to an end a four-season partnership between the Turk and Yamaha. He joined in 2020 and started his stint at Yamaha with victory in Australia, before several podiums and ending the year back on top with two wins at Estoril. For 2021, the #54 became a consistent podium finisher and race winner to take the title in stunning fashion. He was unable to defend his title the next year or reclaim it in 2023 as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) won both but he took the title fight to the final round in both seasons. During his time at Yamaha, Razgatlioglu recorded 100 podiums in 131 races and took 37 wins as well as the 2021 World Championship.

SAYING GOODBYE: “I feel like Yamaha are a family… I’m sad because this is the last race”

Looking back on an incredible four seasons with Yamaha, Razgatlioglu said: “Thanks to my team because, after four years, I feel like Yamaha are like a family. Next year, I’ll go to a different brand, but I’ll still respect Yamaha because we have very nice memories: many wins, we are the World Champions after a long time. Yamaha are very important to me. Not just Yamaha, but the whole team, all the guys. I really enjoyed working with these guys for the last four years, especially in the last two years. 2021, after we are World Champions, I’m feeling warmer. I will always respect Yamaha, especially the team. Everybody tried their best. This weekend, everyone from Yamaha was here and they came to see me in the last race. I’m very happy for this. I’m sad because, after four years, this is the last race and next year we are not together. Maybe we will work together again.”

2023 is over, 2024 starts soon: follow all the news and delve into the archives using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

On the 3rd November, 2014, one of WorldSBK’s biggest announcements was made; Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) moved to KRT and would finally be able to showcase his potential after many years with Honda never quite produced a title charge. Nearly nine years to the day, the partnership has reached the end. Six titles, 104 wins and countless memories later, Rea signed off his KRT chapter with a solid showing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto – the same venue in which the first of six consecutive titles were secured – feeling like the KRT era as come full circle for the #65. A special helmet was unveiled for his final day aboard the ZX-10RR and what an emotional rollercoaster it was.

THE FINAL GREEN DAY: Rea’s Kawasaki farewell as it happened

After a fourth place on the grid was backed up with a fourth place in Race 1, Rea was fired up for a podium charge in the Superpole Race. Again, going from fourth place, the ten-lap battle offered arguably the best opportunity for him to get his ZX-10RR inside the top three or even fight for victory, considering he was right up behind 2023 World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) on Lap 1 in Race 1. He was fighting for a podium with long-time rival Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) in which the two exchanged positions some seven times in three laps, eventually going the way of the #65.

When Race 2 burst into life, emotions were in full swing – the final hurrah in green. Rea blasted into the lead and began pulling away from his rivals; it seemed like it would be a vintage-style win for the perfect end to his time with Kawasaki. However, a crash at Turn 2 on Lap 5 meant that the dream closure was now over. Determined as ever, Rea remounted but there would be no points on offer, not the way he nor his KRT outfit deserved to mark the end of nine record-breaking years. Finishing 17t at the flag, Rea was received with an enormous reception in front of his Kawasaki box, with his crew and family both sharing a moment.

IN HIS WORDS: “We didn’t go down without a fight… it’s been a whirlwind journey”

Talking about his final race in Kawasaki colours, Rea said: “Strange feelings overall to be honest, not from a performance or results side but because I’m leaving an incredible team. My last day in green and that’s what is strange. Obviously, not the result I wanted to finish off with for my team, they deserved a lot better. What we did prove was that the Ninja ZX-10RR still has potential and up until that point of the race, I felt quite in control with a really good rhythm. There were times when I was like ‘ooof, I’ve got a magic tyre’! The bike was hooking up well and going forwards. Pere made a bold decision to make an incredible change, something quite big on the bike that we wanted to try. We didn’t go down without a fight and it was really frustrating to lose the front. Potentially, I could have just gave up the corner a bit, I was a bit fast on entry but I tried to pull it down and with too much lean angle, I was down.

“I wanted to finish the race as it would be too easy to pull in. My footpeg had broken off and my handlebar bent forward but I was still able to lap in the 1’41s. It makes me even more disappointed with what could’ve been but that was our race. It sums up the highs and lows we’ve had this year; some incredible highs but difficult moments but it can’t darken the moments I’ve had at KRT. It’s been a whirlwind journey and something I’ll never forget.”

REFLECTION AND FORWARD THINKING: one chapter closes, another one beckons

“It’s been an incredible partnership,” said a reminiscent Rea. “I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the team and on track or off track, they’ve been fantastic. They have had my back in tougher moments and supported me in the great days, so the consecutive winning might continue in the future but it was like living a dream for six years and going to work, risking our life, putting everything on the line but it was fun. It was fun with these people with a great manufacturer and I wish them all the best in the future with the effort and attention that they put in.”

Talking about what is next, Rea now has the mental space to look ahead into 2024 with Yamaha: “It’s something I can start to think about now; of course, before, my focus was completely with Kawasaki until the very last lap of the race but now, I can allow myself to think about the next chapter but before we do that, I want to enjoy this time. I’m going to have a great team dinner tonight with all my crew and it’s not goodbye. These people are my friends and will be around forever. We’ll be neighbours next year; they have some really nice hospitality so I hope I’m still invited for dinner.”

Relive some of Rea’s best moments in green here and get ready for 2024 in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed a Prometeon Spanish Round hat-trick but he was made to work very hard for it as Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) did everything he could to bid farewell to Yamaha with one more victory. Nothing could separate the top two in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship standings at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, with the #54 demoted one place for a track limits infringement despite crossing the line in first after he and Bautista scrapped it out in Spain.

ONE OF THE BEST RACES… EVER? Bautista, Razgatlioglu say goodbye to 2023 in stunning fashion

Bautista initially got away well when the 20-lap race got underway, but his lead lasted only five corners as six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) forced his way through into the lead, looking to end his Kawasaki career on a high note. The #1 was in second but he ran wide at Turn 2 on Lap 2 which allowed Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) into P2 in the early stages.

However, Rea’s fairytale ended turned into a nightmare on Lap 5. He lost the front of his ZX-10RR into Turn 2 and crashed, dropping all the way down to 23^rd and last; handing the lead to the #54 with double Champion Bautista, using a special yellow livery on his Panigale V4 R, into second. The 2021 Champion held a lead of just over a second although the #1 was hunting him down towards the end of the first half of the race.

From Lap 11, the gap between them was consistently reducing before one of the best races ever. On Lap 12, Bautista attempted a move on the inside of Turn 13 but the #54 was able to cut back and keep his lead. On Lap 14, Bautista got through at Turn 1 but ran wide at the Turn 6 right-hand hairpin, allowing the Turk back through. Through the right-handers towards the end of the lap, the two rivals were exchanging positions, with Razgatlioglu able to hold the lead ahead of the double Champion.

The race continued to ignite with the pair fighting into Turn 6, Bautista getting the run on the straight with the Turkish star responding on the brakes. Later on that lap, at Turn 13, Bautista looked for a move on the inside before the Yamaha cut back to stay ahead on the start-finish straight, before a similar move on Lap 17. A lap later and the Spaniard tried a different move. He looked to outbrake the 2021 Champion at Turn 1, but ran wide which allowed third-placed Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) to close in. It was a similar move on Lap 19 but again, he ran wide, setting up a last-lap showdown.

The Yamaha rider was leading throughout the final lap but his rival, once again, tried a move up the inside of the final corner. Razgatlioglu cut back to retake the lead and crossed the line in first, but he was demoted one place for exceeding track limits on the final lap, on the exit of Turn 13, which allowed Bautista to take his 59^th win in WorldSBK, moving him level with Carl Fogarty. Razgatlioglu’s second place gave him his 100^th podium for Yamaha in his final race with the manufacturer in his 131^st race. In third was Swiss rookie was Aegerter, who was just three tenths away from victory, but still took his second podium of the season with third.

GRT YAMAHA FINISH STRONGLY: P3 and P4 for them, Petrucci top Independent in Race 2

GRT Yamaha ended the season on a massive high. Two podiums on the final day of 2023 season kept their podium streak going since they joined WorldSBK, while teammate Remy Gardner missed out on his first podium by just a second behind his teammate in Race 2. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was fifth ahead of Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in sixth. The #21 had been in the podium fight but dropped down the order in the second half of the race, eventually finishing more than three seconds down on ‘Petrux’.

TEAMS’ CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDED: Aruba.it Ducati win it on countback…

Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) was seventh and only eight seconds away from Bautista after 20 laps after completing yet another strong weekend as he searches for a 2024 seat. The German was ahead of Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in eighth while stablemate Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) took ninth. The American had crossed the line in tenth, but a post-race penalty for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) meant the Italian was demoted to P10. The penalty proved crucial in the outcome of the Teams’ Championship. Both Aruba.it Ducati and Pata Yamaha finished tied on 879 points, but the title went to the Ducati team due to having more feature-length wins.

ENDING 2023 IN THE POINTS: Bassani outside the top ten

Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) finished 11^th as he ended his Motocorsa Racing career in the points, and after taking the Independent Riders’ titles in the Tissot Superpole Race. With Rinaldi taking fourth, the #21 was able to beat his adversary to fifth in the Championship standings with the #47 finishing sixth. He was more than two seconds clear of Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in 12^th, with the Dutchman leading home two Spaniards. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) was the lead Honda rider in 13^th while Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 14^th after one of his strongest weekends of the season. He scored eight points this season, with seven coming at Jerez. Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) completed the points-paying position with 15^th.

HOUSEKEEPING: missing out on points, no retirements in Race 2

Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was 16^th after he suffered a big crash in the Superpole Race, but he was able to finish outside the points, while Rea recovered to 17^th. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was 18^th with Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team) was 19^th. Wildcard Gabriele Ruiu (Bmax Racing) took 20^th ahead of Leandro Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team), Florian Alt (Holzhauer Racing Promotion) and Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO).

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

1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +0.018s

3. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.321s

4. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +1.370s

5. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +2.602s

6. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +5.997s

Championship standing

1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 628 points

2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 552

3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 370

4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 327

5. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 251

6. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) 249

2023 might be over but 2024 starts almost immediately. Follow all the news, interviews and highlights from the Jerez test next week using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

With Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) departing his current team for a new challenge at the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, we look at some of the key moments from his four seasons at the team. From the highs of winning his first race, to the title in 2021 and the lows of last-corner heartbreak, the Turkish star’s time at Yamaha has been an incredible journey from start to finish.

THE FIRST TEST: Razgatlioglu jumps on the Yamaha YZF-R1

After leaving Kawasaki Puccetti Racing at the end of 2019, the Turk linked up with Pata Yamaha for the first time at a post-season Aragon test to try his new bike for the first time. Discussing it at the time, he said: “For me, it’s a new team and a new bike. It’s not easy because I’m here for the first time in this team. My first time, and in wet conditions, I’m happy because I feel the bike is incredible with a lot of grip.”

POTENTIAL ON SHOW: starting and ending the year with wins

The first race in 2020 was at Phillip Island, a circuit that’s challenging even for the best. In Race 1 in Australia, the #54 was on top of the world Down Under as he claimed a thrilling race in one of the closest finishes ever. It was an inconsistent year, but he ended it back on top with two wins at the Circuito Estoril, ensuring he started and ended his year in the best possible way. Two wins in Portugal meant he was in good shape for 2021, which would prove to be a historic season for rider and team.

THE FIRST 2021 WIN: not until the ninth race…

Razgatlioglu started the 2021 season with seven podiums in the first nine races, but his first win didn’t come until the ninth outing at Misano. After finishing second to Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in both Race 1 and the Superpole Race, the #54 was determined to add his name to the winners’ list. The early battle was between Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Rinaldi, but the Turk stayed in contention and barrelled his way past the pair of them for his first win of the year.

A STUNNING FIGHT: making the most of Most

A new track joined the WorldSBK calendar in 2021 with the Autodrom Most making its debut. Razgatlioglu adapted quickly to the venue, but it was Race 1 where the headlines were made. Trailing Scott Redding, then at Ducati, on the final lap, the Yamaha rider first looked to make a move in the first half of the lap. He ran wide, but that didn’t deter him. He closed the gap again before making the race-winning overtake at the penultimate corner in one of the best conclusions.

DRAMA IN PORTUGAL: Razgatlioglu and Rea go head-to-head

Their rivalry was fully ignited by this point as Razgatlioglu and Rea battled hard in Race 1 at Portimao on his way to the title. The Turkish star got the holeshot, but Rea bundled through in the closing stages of the lap. The pair were inseparable, and joined by Redding, throughout until Rea’s crash just after he overtook the #45 with 16 laps to go. From there, it was a fight between the #54 and Readding for victory, with the Turk able to come out on top at a crucial point of their title fight.

THE CROWNING MOMENT: “Rea’s reign comes to an end, a new era has begun in WorldSBK”

After a stunning season, the title would be decided at the new Mandalika circuit. Razgatlioglu and Rea were in contention heading into the season finale, with the Turkish superstar in the driving seat. Rain fell on Saturday, with Race 1 moved to Sunday, but the schedule disruption didn’t stop Yamaha from wrapping up three titles. Don’t forget, you can relive his stunning title win with the ‘The Final Stunt’.

THE FIRST HAT-TRICKS: Donington Park and Mandalika memories

Despite all his success, one thing was missing from Razgatlioglu’s locker: a hat-trick. He had come close on a few occasions but was denied by his rivals. That all changed at Donington Park in 2022. In a similar vein to the London buses cliché, his first win came at Misano, before three followed in quick succession at Donington. From third on the grid, he was able to win all three races. He didn’t have to wait as long for his second hat-trick as he did for his first, with Mandalika another special weekend for the Turk. He took pole position, by almost a second, before winning all three races relatively unchallenged.

FIGHTING HARD TO NO AVAIL: drama at Most

The 2023 season had seen Razgatlioglu’s wins dry up a bit, although he was on the podium in 33 races out of 36. Most, famous for other Razgatlioglu battles, was the scene of one of the iconic moments of the season. Razgatlioglu and Bautista were fighting hard but the Yamaha crashed out of Race 2 after a technical issue; it had huge implications in the Championship fight, as Bautista gained 25 points rather than potentially losing or gaining five.

BEATEN AT THE END: an incredible battle ends in defeat

Most was a stunning battle, but Portimao took it up a notch. The Superpole Race gave a glimpse of what was to come, but Race 2 was where the fight was turned up. 20 laps were completed, and the win was decided on the run to the line: Bautista coming out on top despite Razgatlioglu’s valiant display. He showed his full emotions right after he crossed the line as he hit his fuel tank, with everyone praising both riders for the show they created.

PORTIMAO FIGHT REPEATED IN SPAIN: fighting until the line

A few weeks later, and their fight resumed. If Portimao was close, then Jerez was even closer. For 20 laps, nothing could separate the duo as Bautista went inside and outside, and Razgatlioglu did the same to maintain the lead. The #54 crossed the line in first, but a track limits penalty demoted him behind Bautista. An unfortunate way to bow out of Yamaha, but the on-track battle was a fitting way to close the 2023 season.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: epic starts, rivalries and more

10 moments would not be enough to cover his Yamaha career, and it would be amiss not to mention his start at Donington Park in 2021. A circuit that is famed for epic launches thanks to Ayrton Senna, he produced one of his own in Race 1 to go from 13^th to 2^nd in just a lap and a bit. At Magny-Cours in 2021, Razgatlioglu crossed the line first in the Superpole Race, but a track limits infringement dropped him behind his rival and denied him a hat-trick. At Assen in 2022, his rivalry with Rea hit boiling point when the pair collided at Turn 1 in Race 2. The first win came of 2023 came at Mandalika in the Superpole Race as he took advantage of Bautista crashing out to claim his first win of the season. Plus, to end on a Stoprak note, there’s THAT one at Most that seemed to go on forever.

RAZGATLIOGLU’S YAMAHA STATS: breaking all sorts of manufacturer records

Starts: 131

Wins: 37

Podiums: 100

Poles: 12

Fastest laps: 30

Front row starts: 31

Total points: 1,773

Riders’ Championships: 1

Relive Razgatlioglu’s best Yamaha moments using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) ended his FIM Supersport World Championship season as he started it as he took a Prometeon Spanish Round double with Race 2 victory, his sixth double of the season. He finished just over a second clear of rival Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) in second, while there was a warm welcome back to the podium for Turkish star Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) as he took a stunning and unexpected third place at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.

DRAMATIC START: fierce fights and a red flag

Bulega and Caricasulo both got away well as the lights went out with the #11 leading although ‘Carica’ was able to go with the Champion throughout the first half of the opening lap. However, Bulega was able to extend his gap over the #64 over the second half of the lap to ensure his rivals were unable to challenge him in the first stages of the race; the gap at the end of Lap 3 was up to 3.171s.

Caricasulo was able maintain second place until the start of Lap 5 when rival Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) came bundling through, although the #64 responded on the same lap right before the red flags were deployed. On Lap 3, Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) crashed at Turn 13 with his bike hitting the fence on the exit of the corner. Due to safety conditions, the race was red flagged, and it was restarted over a seven-lap distance. Schroetter did not take to the restart, nor did teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu or Ondrej Vostatek (PTR Triumph), who crashed on Lap 1 at Turn 6 and Lap 4 at Turn 8 respectively.

RETURNING TO THE PODIUM: Oncu fights for first podium since Mandalika

The grid for the restarted race was based on the last completed timing point for each rider. This time, Bulega got the better start compared to Caricasulo, who was passed by Manzi on the run into Turn 1. The #11 was able to build a gap as he often does in the early stages, although not as big as before, ahead of the #62. Manzi had to look over his shoulder in the opening stages, with Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) on the charge. The #61, still searching for full fitness, overtook the Yamaha rider into Turn 13 on Lap 2 for second, after making gains on the first lap.

Manzi returned the favour at Turn 6 on the following lap as he demoted the one-time race winner back into third, while Bulega extended his lead over the duo fighting for P2. Oncu was able to get close to the Yamaha on several occasions, but the Italian resisted the Turkish star’s pressure to claim second place, while Oncu returned to the podium for the first time since his victory in Race 1 at Mandalika. Bulega moved onto 16 wins out of 24 for the season, and 21 podiums which is a season record, while Manzi took his 22^nd career rostrum. For Oncu, it was his 14^th podium since he joined WorldSSP.

STRONG END TO 2023 FOR KAWASAKI: Huertas P4 in tight race for fourth

Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) was another Kawasaki rider on the march in the early stages, but his progress halted when he moved into fourth, finishing in P4 for the fourth time this season. He was just 1.250s away from Oncu in third, while he was almost six tenths clear of Caricasulo in fifth. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) continued his end-of-season strong form with sixth, as Huertas, Caricasulo and Debise were separated by only eight tenths after the seven-lap race.

ONE-EVENT RIDERS IMPRESS: Ruiz takes WorldSSP best

Wildcard Yeray Ruiz (MDR Offitec Yamaha) completed his weekend with eighth, making gains and impressing the paddock with strong performances. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) signed off his half-season campaign with another top ten position with wildcard Simone Corse (Altogo Racing Team) in tenth. The Italian started the original race from the pit lane due to a technical infringement, but he was up to 15^th when the red flags were shown. With the grid set by the last completed timing point, the #40 was on the fifth row for the restart and was able to take a top-ten finish; only a tenth away from compatriot Dalla Porta ahead of him.

DEBUTANT SCORES A POINT: WorldSSP300 runner-up takes P15 in first weekend

Spaniard Jorge Navarro (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) was 11^th and only two tenths away from the top ten, with Niki Tuuli (PTR Triumph) less than a second away. Dutch wildcard Melvin van der Voort (Team SWPN) was another who impressed during his one-off appearance he finished in 13^th, ahead of Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team) in 14^th. Debutant Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (D34G Racing) was the final point scorer, taking 15^th on his first appearance in the Championship.

HOUSEKEEPING: three retirements in the restarted race

Gabriele Giannini (ProDina Kawasaki Racing) had a difficult debut weekend and this culminated in a second retirement in two races. Muhammad Mohd Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team) crashed out on Lap 5 at Turn 5 to end his race early, while Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) brought his bike into the pits in the closing stages. The Italian crashed on Lap 6 at Turn 13 while fighting in the top ten and, although he was initially able to re-join, decided to retire in the box.

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

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)

2. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +1.478s

3. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +2.459s

4. Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) +3.709s

5. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) +4.287s

6. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) +4.470s

Fastest Lap: Can Oncu (Kawasaki), 1’42.559s

Championship standings

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 503 points

2. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) 408

3. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 294

4. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) 258

5. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) 181

6. Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 168

2023 is done and dusted but 2024 will be upon us soon – get set for next season using the WorldSBK VideoPass – for only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed his second victory of the Prometeon Spanish Round in the penultimate race of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season, while Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) stormed to a maiden podium after he finished 1.5 seconds away from the two-time Champion. The fight for third went to the final stages of the red-flagged Tissot Superpole Race at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in a race that’ll live long in the memory.

EARLY ACTION BROUGHT TO AN END: red flag interrupts proceedings

The first two laps were action-packed with changes everywhere you looked. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) got the holeshot but his lead only lasted until Turn 5 when Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) came bundling through for the lead. The lead group featured about six riders fighting for the lead, including Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK). However, towards the end of Lap 2, the race was red flagged due to track conditions. Aegerter’s engine had smoke pouring out of it, and he pulled off at the side of the track, while Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) crashed at Turn 5; the Spaniard went to the medical centre for a check-up and declared fit.

SWISSTORY MAKER: Aegerter takes first WorldSBK podium, Bautista wins

As three laps hadn’t been completed, the restarted eight-lap race got underway with the original grid; giving Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) a second chance after he crashed on the opening lap of the original race at Turn 6, while Aegerter and Lecuona were also able to restart. The restart was similar to the first one, with the #77 getting the holeshot again and this time leading for longer. Despite Lowes going through on the opening lap, Aegerter came through again at Turn 13, although Bautista passed him on the run into Turn 6 on Lap 2. On Lap 3, Lowes went down at Turn 1 and made contact with the bike of the Turkish rider’s bike, and the Brit went to the medical centre for a check-up. He was later declared unfit with a facial trauma and eyelid wounds.

While the battle for second ignited between Aegerter, Razgatlioglu and Rea, Bautista was able to pull out a gap to make it two from two at Jerez, an take his 58^th WorldSBK win. He also secured the Tissot Award for 2023. In the second half of the race, the Swiss star did close in but fell back to claim second and his first WorldSBK rostrum, and the first Swiss rider on the podium; taking full advantage of Rea and Razgatlioglu squabbling behind. The #65 got ahead of the Turk on Lap 6 for second, and he was able to resist any further challenges to claim his 263^rd career podium. It means the Race 2 front row will be comprised of Bautista, Aegerter and Rea.

CLIMBING FORWARD: Razgatlioglu, Locatelli make gains; GRT win Independent Teams’ battle

Razgatlioglu will line up from fourth, with his P4 the first time he’s finished a race off the podium this season, climbing a full row forward from his Race 1 starting position, and he’ll be joined by teammate Locatelli on the second row. ‘Loka’ started from tenth but fought his way up to fifth place to give him a better starting position than he had in the first two races of the round despite his crash before the red flag. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) took sixth, and the team’s results meant they confirmed the Independent Teams’ title with one race to go.

AIMING TO FINISH ON A HIGH: third row for Race 2, Bassani secures Independent Riders’ title

German rider Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) continued his strong weekend with seventh, just three tenths behind Gardner. He will be joined on the third row by Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who finished eighth, three tenths back, and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in ninth. The #9 was in contention to snatch the Top Independent Riders’ title from Axel Bassani (Barni Spark Racing Team) but his single point wasn’t enough to keep the fight going into Race 2 despite the #47 not scoring; he was involved in an incident with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) at Turn 1 on Lap 6, which will be investigated by the FIM Stewards. Bassani therefore leaves Motocorsa Racing as a two-time Independent Riders’ title winner.

HOUSEKEEPING: dropping out of the top nine

Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had been running in the top ten positions, but a technical issue meant he was forced to retire. He will therefore start Race 2 from 10^th, with Lowes unfit, and Gerloff will line up from 11^th.

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

1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

2. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +1.487s

3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +3.124s

4. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +3.581s

5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +5.716s

6. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +6.268s

7. Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) +6.572s

8. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +6.878s

9. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +7.342s

Fastest Lap: Toprak Razgatlioglu (Yamaha), 1’39.731s

One last dance in 2023, one last chapter. Don’t miss Race 2 from 14:00 Local Time (GMT+1) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – only €9.99!

Source: WorldSBK.com