950 races, which therefore means 950 stories, battles, winning celebrations and magical moments, coupled for some with ‘what could have been’, disappointment and dejection. Race 2 marked a big moment in the history of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, with the 950^th race being an absolute belter from start to finish at the TT Circuit Assen. In this feature, we’ll break down the eras in a different way, with particular focus on the modern era and the current generation of riders. 

BACK TO THE START: those early beginnings

Fred Merkel, Raymond Roche and Doug Polen were early dominators of the Championship, clinching the first five titles between them as WorldSBK found its feet in the world of motorsport. This new attractive brand of racing went across the world from the UK to New Zealand, Canada to Australia and everywhere in between. Come the end of this five-year period, one rider emerged onto the scene and a new era was about to begin with Carl Fogarty.

AFTER 100 RACES: the ‘Foggy’ era begins

Carl Fogarty became a poster boy not just for World Superbike but for motorcycle racing; one of Ducati’s first legends and one of Britain’s biggest sporting names, the Englishman packed out grandstands, raced harder than anyone before him and had some of the spiciest rivalries in the sport’s history, such as with Aaron Slight, John Kocinski and Pierfrancesco Chili, to name all but a few. The first ‘Golden Era’ of World Superbike, Fogarty took four titles with Ducati in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999, whilst the likes of Corser and Kocinski stopped him in 1996 and 1997 respectively. By the end of 90s, WorldSBK was nearing to 300 races with it being some of the purest motorsport around but new breed was coming at the turn of the millennium. 

PROJECT 2000: the start of new era

Whilst Colin Edwards, Noriyuki Haga, Corser, Chili and the like had been around for a while, the 2000 season saw them all go head-to-head for the title on new bikes and a new sound of Superbike. Troy Bayliss was the new kid on the block though and ripped up the form guide as soon as he landed full-time to replace Fogarty, who’s career ended after a crash in Australia. Bayliss’ addition to the Championship would form one of the great rivalries of all time with Edwards, with them duking it out in style, building to the crescendo of Imola and 2002 – one of the Championship’s most famous races. In this period, Neil Hodgson found a second wind and would go onto become 2003 Champion, whereas James Toseland became the youngest ever to be crowned in 2004. Troy Corser was back to his best as huge manufacturer support returned in 2005, picking up the title with Suzuki. After a spell in MotoGP™, Bayliss was back and took the title in 2006, Toseland doubled up – for Ten Kate Racing – with the title in 2007, whilst Bayliss took a third and final title in 2008, retiring. 

NEW LOOK: Spies, Biaggi, Checa, Sykes and Rea

2009 was a huge generational change for WorldSBK; Ben Spies came in as a rookie to Yamaha and with his own crew chief from America – Tom Houseworth – denied Haga the elusive first title in a classic year. A year later and it was Max Biaggi and Aprilia who once again ruled the world before Carlos Checa came good in 2011. ‘Roman Emperor’ Biaggi clinched 2012 by just half a point from Tom Sykes, who in-turn would go on and win in 2013 and finish runner-up to Sylvain Guintoli in a tense 2014 battle. However, the era of Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki loomed large form 2015 onwards, as he wrapped up title after title and won battle after battle against Chaz Davies and Ducati. A fourth title in 2018 saw him be the first since ‘Foggy’ to do so, albeit this time, it was consecutive. He also set a new win tally record but things were about to get different from 2019 onwards. 

A TRUE NEW ERA BEGINS: WorldSBK current ‘Golden Era’

In 2019, MotoGP™ star Alvaro Bautista joined the WorldSBK family and the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team; he won the first 11 races and was looking on course to take the title before a series of crashes and an injury saw him reeled back in by Rea who took a fifth title. The Ulsterman took that title at Magny-Cours, where another star really emerged: Toprak Razgatlioglu. Already a STK600 Champion and WorldSBK podium finisher, Razgatlioglu won an epic last lap battle in both Race 1 (WorldSBK’s 800^th race) and the Superpole Race – new since 2019 – to win from 16^th on the grid. A monster had been unleashed and Toprak was soon on his way to Yamaha where the gloves really would come off.

Winning his first race for the Japanese manufacturer in Australia and Race 1 at Phillip Island in 2020, Toprak wouldn’t mount a title charge as he adapted to the bike but was back on-song for the end of the year. After parting ways with Ducati, Alvaro Bautista struggled at Honda, whereas Scott Redding replaced him at Ducati and took the title fight until the last round, ultimately being beaten by Rea and Kawasaki, who took a sixth title – and last – together. 2021 however, was different, with Toprak and Yamaha re-writing what was possible in terms of battling. An emotional showdown in Indonesia saw the Turkish rider crowned for the first time after a season-long fight with Rea, who saw his streak ended. One of WorldSBK’s greatest seasons and fiercest rivalries, who knew what was to come.

TITANIC TRIO ERA BEGINS: the greatest three-way rivalry ever

Alvaro Bautista back at Ducati, Razgatlioglu and Rea staying at Yamaha and Kawasaki respectively, we were in for a proper treat. All three knocked spots off each other like we’d never seen before, with Estoril in 2022 being a particular highlight of ruthless fighting and ‘never say never’ racing. Hitting the 900^th race in Race 1 at Mandalika, Razgatlioglu won again to keep his title hopes alive but it was Bautista who was crowned Champion at long last in Race 2, 16 years after his first title in the 125cc Championship. 2023 and Bautista wore the #1 plate and successfully defended against Razgatlioglu, with both battling harder than we’d ever seen before. Most, Portimao and Jerez all pulling at the emotions of all as the two provided some of the best motorcycle racing ever seen in this Championship and beyond. At the close of 2023, it was all change to halt Bautista. 

2024’s NEW ERA: new rules, new look, new line-up, new stars

With weight rules coming to balance performance, Toprak making a bold switch to BMW and Rea, after an unprecedented amount of success with Kawasaki, swapping to Yamaha, 2024 was always going to be spectacular. Add into the mix the return of Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven), the graduation of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and the addition of Sam Lowes and the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), it was impossible to see how it could play out. So far, we’ve had five different winners, eight different riders on the podium, three last lap battles for victory, new race winners and a return to the top for BMW – and we’ve only had three rounds and nine races. WorldSBK is off the charts in 2024 with some of the most emotional stories, hardest racing and craziest finishes we’ve ever seen. Six points split Championship leader Alvaro Bautista and Toprak Razgatlioglu, with rookie Nicolo Bulega in third. We’re in for a truly unmissable grandstand finish. 

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Source: WorldSBK.com

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season continues to be a breath-taking campaign, with unpredictability the name of the game so far. Three winners from three races came at Assen, including a shock Nicholas Spinelli (Barni Spark Racing Team) victory after a tyre gamble paid off, and now attentions are turning to the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simonelli” for the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round. So, make sure you get your tickets HERE for the reasons listed below!

WHO WILL FIGHT AT THE FRONT? Anyone’s game, still…

While some names have been at the front consistently in 2024, others have been just behind and occasionally mixing it with the lead group. Three winners at Assen – Spinelli, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) – prove the point well that anything can and will happen in WorldSBK in 2024. Who will join the fight at Misano?

WINNER AND PODIUM FINISHERS IN 2024: five victors, nine on the rostrum…

Only nine races into the season but there have been five different winners, with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) joining the list, and nine on the podium. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven), Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) have also stood on the rostrum, with a huge chunk of the field in contention for top spots.

THE ON-TRACK ACTION: overtakes everywhere you look

Phillip Island, Barcelona and Assen have all had one common theme: new overtaking hotspots are being created at unusual places. Fully expect this to continue at Misano with the competition as fierce as ever at the front of the field. 

IANNONE TO THE FORE: a maiden WorldSBK win on home soil?

‘The Maniac’ has proven he’s still got his talent despite four years out of competition, and what better place for Iannone to claim a maiden WorldSBK win on home soil? His MotoGP™ record there wasn’t great, with two DNFs and a best of fifth between 2013 and 2019, but after leading races early on in his WorldSBK career, he’ll be hoping for success at Misano.

PADDOCK SHOW AND ENTERTAINMENT

As ever, the WorldSBK Paddock Show will feature at Misano and it’s your chance to be at the heart of so many moments. Podium celebrations are the highlight, but there’s so much more: meet and greet sessions, interactive activities and games also take place there between the track action.

A FIRST MISANO WIN FOR BMW? the history books are being re-written…

BMW had never won in Barcelona until 2024, nor had they won at Assen until this season. A huge step forward means they’re now in contention and next up is another track they’re yet to win at. Can Razgatlioglu or teammate Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) make it a hat-trick of first-time circuit wins for the German brand?

A CLASSIC CIRCUIT: it really has everything

From high-speed corners, low-speed hairpins, overtaking opportunities galore and everything else, there’s nothing the Misano layout misses. Lap times can be made in different ways at the legendary venue, so expect races to ebb and flow between several riders and bikes as they all utilise their strengths in different ways.

BASSANI’S TRADITIONAL STEP FORWARD: aiming for a repeat of previous years

Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has made a habit of kickstarting his season at Misano. In 2021, it was his first top-ten finishes in WorldSBK. A year later, he got his first top-four finish of the year there and in 2023, his first rostrum of the season. He has two top-ten finishes on Kawasaki machinery as he continues to adapt to the ZX-10RR and did fight at the front in tricky conditions at Assen. Will history repeat itself for ‘El Bocia’ at Misano to surge up the order?

RINALDI AIMING FOR A STRONG RESULT: a previous winner at Misano…

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) has had some flashes of brilliance in 2024, but not consistently. Next up he’s a track he’s won at twice, both in 2021, and has seven podiums at. With the Motocorsa Ducati outfit proving they could fight at the sharp end with Bassani in previous seasons at Misano, they’ll be hoping for the same in 2024.

STUNNING COASTLINE, PLENTY TO SEE: something for everyone

Heading to Misano in June means catching the start of summer – hopefully at least – and what better place to mark it? Just a few kilometres away from the stunning Adriatic Coast makes it perfect for the weather, but Misano Adriatco also has its own appeal. There’s plenty to do in the region, so why not combine it with the thrills of WorldSBK?

DON’T MISS OUT: get your tickets for the Emilia-Romagna Round right HERE!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Spanish rookie Gonzalo Sanchez made an excellent return to the top step of the podium in the second race of the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup at the TT Circuit Assen after a disappointing DNF in Race 1. 

Race 1 winner Marc Vich made the best launch from the line and took an early lead, pulling a gap of one second over the pack before the end of the first lap, but Sanchez was quick to catch his compatriot and make his own bid for the race win. By lap four the Spanish duo had pulled a gap of 3.8 seconds over their rivals, who were in a big group ranging from third to 11^th. This group swapped places many times over the course of each 4.5km lap and was more hectic than the relative calm at the front with Vich and Sanchez. 

Saturday’s winner Vich held firm for the bulk of the 10-lap race, using his experience and track knowledge to put in smooth and quick laps. Although he led on laps two and three, Sanchez preferred to sit behind his rival, following his lines and waiting for the optimum moment to make a move on a circuit he has never ridden before. This moment came on the last corners of the final lap of the legendary Dutch track when he slipped past Vich. The 15-year-old rookie managed to defend his position into the Geert Timmer chicane and take his third win of the season.

After earning 25-points on Saturday Vich added to his impressive haul with second, just +0.018 behind Sanchez. After a tremendous group battle it was Brazil’s Eduardo Burr who came through for another rostrum result in third. Takumi Takahashi was fourth and Dorian Joulin took fifth after a penalty for Dawid Nowak on the final lap. 

The Netherlands’ Indi Schunselaar had a disappointing end to his home race weekend when he suffered a crash at Turn 17 on the third lap.  

Round 3 of the FIM Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup will take place at Misano World Circuit from June 14^th-16^th.

FULL RESULTS – R3 bLU cRU World Cup – RACE TWO

Gonzalo Sanchez, Race 2 Winner, said: “I’m back in business! I’m so happy to be back on the top step, especially after yesterday which was hard with the crash. Yesterday evening I spent a lot of time with my team working on the strategy, I had confidence in myself and I pushed very hard during the whole race and this is the result! It wasn’t easy because I have never been to this circuit before, but I studied and did everything I could to learn it in the wet and dry. I need to thank everyone who makes it possible for me to be here, and especially those who support me even in the hard times.”

Source: WorldSBK.com

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) ended the Pirelli Dutch Round with a Tissot Superpole Race victory and a second place in Race 2, leaving him delighted heading into his team’s home round next time out. The results have given him the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship standings lead over Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) by just six points after a dramatic Sunday at the iconic TT Circuit Assen.

Bautista started the Superpole Race from seventh place and found himself as low as ninth on the first lap after running wide while trying to pass former teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing), but soon charged up the order to move into second place with a few laps to go. From there, he set his sights on 2024 teammate Nicolo Bulega out in front. He made light work of the #11, passing him through the final sector before pulling out 2.6 seconds on his rookie stablemate.

That set him up for Race 2 with first place on the grid and he took advantage of that to lead through the opening few laps, before the rain started to fall to add an extra dimension to the race. Lots of riders took turns leading – Bautista, Razgatlioglu and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) included – with the last two Champions fighting for victory. In the end, it was the #54 who claimed the win after passing Bautista on Lap 16 at the Geert Timmer Chicane.

Reflecting on his win and podium on Sunday, Bautista said: “Race 2 was like all weekend, really tricky and difficult because conditions were really changing. In the morning Superpole Race, I had a good feeling with the bike, and I could push 100%. The conditions were more stable than the rest of the weekend. It was the first time we had normal conditions. I enjoyed it, especially the first laps where I battled a lot with other riders to make a really impressive comeback. In the afternoon, I had a good start. I tried to keep my pace. I was quite confident, making good lines, but then it started to rain a little bit and it basically never stopped lightly raining during the race. In one part of the race, it started to rain a bit harder in some areas. We slowed down a little bit, then, after I tried to push again, I think the rear tyre cooled down too much and I couldn’t get the temperature to push at the end, so I didn’t have the same feeling as the start of the race. To finish on the podium was important. It’s been a really tough weekend.”

The results on Sunday mean Bautista has taken the Championship lead for the first time this season, after a difficult first couple of rounds for the reigning Champion. He leads Razgatlioglu by six points with Bulega in third, the smallest gap between the top two after nine races since 2020, when Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) led Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) by just four points.

With the lead in his pocket, Bautista explained what he wants to achieve next time out at Misano. He said: “I think you can expect what you want to expect! What’s important for me is in Barcelona, we found something that helped me to ride like I wanted again and also here we used the same base setup as Barcelona because in this weather, we couldn’t work on the bike. At Misano, I hope to have better or more normal conditions and try to take a step forward. In the end, the results are the consequences of the good work.”

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

Source: WorldSBK.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: WorldSBK.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: WorldSBK.com

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

HOME HERO: van Straalen wins ahead of Huertas

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

STRATEGY: pit stops were key in Race 2

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

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

HOT PACE: Tuuli unable to respond to Huertas

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

UNEXPECTED: some unexpected results for riders inside the top 10

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

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

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

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

3. Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team) 2.944s

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

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

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

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

Championship standings:

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

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

3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 84

4. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 83

5. Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 55

6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) 54

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

Source: WorldSBK.com

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

A QUICK START: Razgatlioglu charges, Locatelli challenges

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

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

RAIN STARTS FALLING: mastering the conditions

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

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

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

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

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

IN THE POINTS: a best of the season for Mackenzie

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

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

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

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

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

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

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

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

4. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +3.120s

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

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

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

Championship Standings:

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

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

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

4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 93

5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 64

6. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) 64

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

Source: WorldSBK.com

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

PERFECT WEEKEND: Mogeda claims back-to-back victory

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

UNBELIEVABLE: over 10 bikes battle for the win

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

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

UNPREDICTABLE: a drag race to the line

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

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

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

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

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

2. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) +0.040s

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

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

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

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

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

Championship standings:

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

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

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

4. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) 43

5. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) 41

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

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

Source: WorldSBK.com

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

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

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

REA RETURNS: Jonathan Rea finished inside the top five

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: WorldSBK.com