Ducati Reigns Supreme in Catalunya FP2

March 23, 2024Ray Milton
WorldSBK

The top four riders in FP2 were all aboard Ducatis. The pack was led by Nicolo Bulega the World superbike rookie that has turned heads since pre season testing for his first run at a world superbike title. Bulega said, “I’m happy because we worked very well today collecting a lot of data that will be useful tomorrow. We also did a good job with the tires which allowed us to have clearer ideas. It will be essential to make the right choice also because tire wear will probably be one of the determining factors for the race.” On day one of racing action at Catalunya Ducati riders Bulega, Alvaro Bautista, Danilo Petrucci and Alex Lowes topped the field. Toprak Razgatlioglu fell to P5 after topping the table in FP1 ahead of his teammate.

Alvaro Bautista Responds to Hints at Intra Ducati Competition

Alvaro Bautista finished behind his new teammate Bulega in FP2. Bautista has been battling injuries that have lingered from the pre season which have slowed down his pace on track. When asked about intra team competition Bautista said, “If it’s like that, I’ll sign now! Because for me it has been a really hard winter and first race, because the feeling riding the bike was not the best and I couldn’t ride as I wanted. First, I thought it was because of my injury, but in the test, I felt okay and I couldn’t ride like I wanted yet, so there was something wrong.

Fortunately, today we found something that helped me a lot to ride as I wanted. Tomorrow will be another day and we will try to keep this improvement. Races in Barcelona are really hard for the tires, and you have to manage really well the situation. In the past I did it well, but I was the fastest on race pace, so it was easy to be 3-4 tenths slower than my normal pace to manage the tire. Now I’m not the fastest guy, so I need to push from the beginning. It’s a different situation.”

Alex Lowes gets the World Superbike season off to a great start after securing 2 of 3 wins this weekend at Philip Island. In Race 2 the race came down to the final two laps after a delay and subsequent red flag that came out as a result of Jonathan Rea’s major crash incident at Turn 11. Additionally, Andrea Locatelli had to retire from the race due to a risky defensive maneuver against a pass attempt by Alex Lowes. However, as a result Locatelli went off at Turn 4 crashing out of the race. The DNF saw his run of weekend success come to an end.

Locatelli Discusses Off At the Hairpin at Phillip Island

“The feeling was amazing in Race 2, I think in the end this weekend we did a really good job and we never made any mistakes. Unfortunately, we are checking on the data and we don’t know yet what was the reason but the bike was in neutral – so then I was wide and when I tried to put again the gear, I made a mistake and I lost the rear. It is a big shame because everything was working well and it was just the last lap and we were fighting for the race win.

Feels a bit like a bad dream, but at the same time I want to say thanks to Yamaha and the team because we were working well during the weekend – we were fast in every condition and every session in front – so this is for sure something good for us and let’s see what we can do in the next race. We will be on track for two days of testing before the Barcelona round, we need to improve a little bit more but the confidence on my R1 is good so let’s see what we can do.”

Showdown at the Finish Line

The final lap of the race was full of action with Alvaro Bautista and Alex Lowes going head to head down to the wire. The pair pulled away from the battle for 3-4 on the penultimate lap. The margin for victory came down to the finish line with Lowes edging out Bautista by 0.048s. It was a positive race for Bautista who has seemingly been less than 100% leading up to Race 2.

Lowes was ecstatic after having won the Superpole Race earlier this weekend. “It has been a long time since our last win but we have been working hard,” Lowes Said. “In the Superpole Race I was really emotional, I think I was crying on the in-lap. On Race Two I felt I would have more chance if it was a longer race. I was a bit disappointed after the pre-race tests on Tuesday because my tire life looked good. We have been working really hard to make the bike smoother this year and easier to manage.

We cannot read too much into this final race…We know this is a special circuit, but you still have to manage the race well and the bike still has to look after the tire. I think mine was the best tire at the end of the race. Alvaro’s bike was moving a lot and he could not enter into corners. I sat there behind and tried to look after the tire as much as possible. I am obviously very happy. It has been a big, important winter, changing many small details. I am fit and strong now, improving my confidence. I did a good job today…To get two wins today was fantastic, and mixing it up there, I was really happy. The guys have done a fantastic job all weekend.”

Full Race 2 at Phillip Island Results Below

PosRiderTeamMotorcycleGap
1Alex LowesKawasaki Racing TeamKawasaki ZX-10RR11 Laps
2Alvaro BautistaAruba.it RacingDucati Panigale V4 R+0.048
3Danilo PetrucciBarni Spark RacingDucati Panigale V4 R+1.178
4Andrea IannoneTeam Go ElevenDucati Panigale V4 R+1.275
5Nicolo BulegaAruba.it RacingDucati Panigale V4 R+2.346
6Michael Ruben RinaldiMotocorsa RacingDucati Panigale V4 R+2.913
7Sam LowesElf Marc VDS RacingDucati Panigale V4 R+3.480
8Garrett GerloffBonovo Action RacingBMW M 1000 RR+4.119
9Dominique AegerterGYTR GRTYamaha R1+5.152
10Michael van der MarkROKiT BMW MotorradBMW M 1000 RR+5.159
11Axel BassaniKawasaki Racing TeamKawasaki ZX-10RR+5.183
12Remy GardnerGYTR GRTYamaha R1+7.652
13Xavi ViergeTeam HRCHonda CBR1000RR-R+9.082
14Philipp OettlGMT 94Yamaha R1+10.279
15Bradley RayMotoxracingYamaha R1+11.806
16Tito RabatPuccetti RacingKawasaki ZX-10RR+17.416
17Scott ReddingBonovo Action RacingBMW M 1000 RR+21.815
18Tarran MackenziePetronas MIE RacingHonda CBR1000RR-R+25.481
19Adam NorrodinPetronas MIE RacingHonda CBR1000RR-R+32.107
DNFAndrea LocatelliPata PROMOTEONYamaha R1
DNSToprak RazgatliogluROKiT BMW MotorradBMW M 1000 RR
DNSJonathan ReaPata PROMOTEONYamaha R1
DNSIker LecuonaTeam HRCHonda CBR1000RR-R

Kawasaki man Alex Lowes secured his first win of the season in the World Superbike Super Race at Phillip island today. Lowes finished 4th in race 1 leaving him outside of the podium places but slowly started to inch his way the front with a 3rd place finish in Superpole and now a win in the Superpole Race. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) fell short of his attempt at a sweep this weekend. Bulega qualified on pole but have a substantial drop in pace in the Superpole race which saw him drop behind. Lowes was able to pull away in clean air ahead while the battle for second ensued behind.

Toprak Razgalioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) all had the opportunity to make a move for the podium but the Aruba.it Racing riders continued to drop off in the closing stages of the sprint. The squabbling behind allowed Lowes to increase his lead ahead of Andrea Locatelli to 1.1s. However, it was a positive day for Yamaha as they secured their second podium of the season. Razgatlioglu rounded out the top 3. The finish in the Superpole race will set the grid for Race 2 later today.

Prior to the the start of the race weekend Dorna announced obligatory pit stops for Race 1 and Race 2 but that requirement did not extend to the Superpole Race.

Full Phillip Island Superpole Race Results

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) played spoiler for the first World Superbike race of the season. The pre season pace of Bulega has shown to be amongst the best on grid. In some cases Bulega topped all of the grid veterans. Today he solidified his presence in the championship with a win in his first World Superbike race. Bulega lead the Italian riders who dominated in race one with Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) and Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) finishing in second and third respectively. It was the first time in World Superbike history that two rookie riders finished 1-2 in their debut event.

After securing P1 in Superpole Bulega put on a masterclass to finish first. The win is already a change to last season with Bulega’s Aruba.it Racing teammate and 2023 World Superbike champion Alvaro Bautista, winning the majority of the races in 2023. The Superpole race and Race 2 are up next. After round 1 at the conclusion of the race weekend we will analysis on where the teams stand.

Full Race 1 Results are Below

PosNo.RiderBikeGap
111N. BULEGADucati Panigale V4R 
255A. LOCATELLIYamaha YZF R12.280
329A. IANNONEDucati Panigale V4R2.630
422A. LOWESKawasaki ZX-10RR4.728
554T. RAZGATLIOGLUBMW M 1000 RR5.706
677D. AEGERTERYamaha YZF R18.333
760M. VAN DER MARKBMW M 1000 RR8.647
89D. PETRUCCIDucati Panigale V4R9.965
931G. GERLOFFBMW M 1000 RR11.699
1097X. VIERGEHonda CBR1000 RR-R12.423
11 45S. REDDINGBMW M 1000 RR14.413
1247A. BASSANIKawasaki ZX-10RR16.668
1314S. LOWESDucati Panigale V4R18.388
1421M. RINALDIDucati Panigale V4R23.560
151A. BAUTISTADucati Panigale V4R32.471
165P. OETTLYamaha YZF R135.580
1765J. REAYamaha YZF R137.949
1853T. RABATKawasaki ZX-10RR39.427
1995T. MACKENZIEHonda CBR1000 RR-R54.890
2027A. NORRODINHonda CBR1000 RR-R57.202
2128B. RAYYamaha YZF R158.642
RET87R. GARDNERYamaha YZF R118 Laps

Andrea Locatelli turned the field on its head on day one of Phillip Island weekend to kick off the World Superbike Championship. Locatelli pilot his Yamaha R1 to set a lap record breaking time of 1’29.197s. The record was previously held by Tom Sykes. The majority of FP1 was plagued with rainfall so lap times remained tame after Locatelli set the early pace. Windy conditions garaged most of the riders deeming it an unnecessary risk to run during FP1.

2023 Champion Alvaro Bautista struggled after the track began to dry and he did not break into the top 5. Teammate Nicolo Bulega who had blistering pace in preseason testing also fell behind finishing just ahead of his teammate but in 7th place. FP2 is up next.

Full FP1 Results are Below

World Superbike testing concluded this week at Phillip Island with Toprak Razgatlioglu finishing on top in the final day of testing. Razgatlioglu narrowly edged out the top time ahead of World Superbike rookie Nicolo Bulega who has been flying since his first day on the Ducati superbike machine. Razgatlioglu admittedly had some doubt heading into the test but was able to put them aside on the track.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

“I have to admit that I was really scared before I came here because this is not a track that suits my style. In addition, it was the first time for me to ride here with the BMW M 1000 RR. But I tried to do my best in every session. On this track, you need more grip to ride the bike. The old surface did not offer so much grip but on the new one, I was feeling too much grip and the bike was feeling really good. It was working really well and we made a very good lap time with the SC0 tire.

In general, the bike is working really well with the SC1 tire and we found a very good set-up. I am happy, but that was just testing and in the last ten minutes, everyone pushed for good lap times, including me. We did a very good one, we finished in P1. This is good but I am focused on the race because I am working for the race and we will see. It looks like it could be a flag-to-flag race because the tire is destroyed after ten laps, but we will see – in general, I am happy!”

Locatelli Leads the Way for Yamaha

Andrea Locatelli lead the way for Yamaha with Jonathan Rea crashing on the final day of testing. Locatelli was 3rd fastest behind Bulega while teammate Rea finishing 15th fastest. He said, “So, it was an interesting day! Unfortunately, it was just one day of testing – it is not easy to do everything but we were working well this morning and especially during this afternoon to understand which was the best rhythm to do on the race tire.

Everything was working well, my confidence on the R1 feels amazing – I was fast in every run, so this is something positive for us. In general, I am really happy – I can’t wait to start the weekend and I am really excited to start the first race here in Phillip Island. The track was changing a lot, with the new surface grip is quite high, so let’s see what we can do. We have some days to check the data and try to improve a little bit more, but we did really well today. Our target is the podium, we are here for this – and maybe try to win.”

Yamaha is looking to keep their forward momentum going after the loss of Toprak Razgalioglu after last season. Rea brings a plethora of experience to the team. We will see come round 1 if that experience will help him over come the seeming limitation he had at Kawasaki last year.

Bautista Fighting Injury

Last year’s champion Alvaro Bautista has been in recovery from neck injury a suffered in the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix last year. “Since the start of pre-season, this is the first day I’ve been able to focus on working to improve my feeling with the bike without having to worry about my physical condition. This makes me very happy even though there is still a lot to do to be in the best condition. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting on track from Friday to work on the details that need to be fixed to be competitive during the weekend“ It’s clear Bautista is still not at 100% but continues to improve as we approach the season opener.

Top Times from the Final Day of Testing

The FIM homologated motorcycles for 2024 has been revealed. In WorldSBK, the only change is the new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade (in standard (ST) and SP versions) that has been homologated with that process completed in January. No other manufacturers have had a change to their homologations.

The FIM Women’s World Championship has released their provisional rider entrant list for the inaugural 2024 season. The list features some of the best women riders from all around the world. 40 riders applied for the season and 24 were selected. The full schedule for the championship is as follows:

The 2024 WorldWCR calendar at a glance
1. Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” – 14-16 June
2. Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park – 12-14 July
3. Pirelli Portuguese Round, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – 9-11 August
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit* – 23-25 August
5. Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit* – 20-22 September
6. Prometeon Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto – 18-20 October
* Subject to homologation

The full entrant list can be from here and below:

The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff

From Sehkmet Racing…

Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 12 February 2024 

You can only have your first time once and having the opportunity to make history has proved irresistible for Australian born Maddi Patterson; one of very few female team owners in the world of motorcycle racing.

Maddi Patterson, SEKHMET RACING Team Owner: “When I first heard that this was going to happen I knew it was where I needed to be. At the official announcement by DORNA, the officiating organisation, no one was surprised when I said ‘F*ck it, I’ll do it!’

Forming a team and signing riders for this has been a real time crunch and, having achieved this in eight months, I appreciate all those who have helped along the way (you know who you are) – if it was easy everybody would do it. I am so proud to announce our riders; Mallory Dobbs #14 (USA) and Lissy Whitmore #34 (UK) who will be riding Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles at circuits including Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, Donington Park Circuit and Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto from May to October 2024 alongside the World Superbike Championship which is televised Globally. What a trip!”

The FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship is the first dedicated motorcycle world championship for female circuit racers. This initiative by DORNA has been welcomed by the motorsport community worldwide and responds to the growth in female participation in motorcycling, motorcycle racing and an increase in female motorcycle racing fans attending events in recent years.

Maddi added: “Sekhmet, an Egyptian Deity, was born from fire – a symbol of strength and resilience. And therein lies the reason for the team naming; I endured and recovered from sixty percent burns to my body only three years ago. Sekhmet is known as the protector of friends and the leader in battle – something I embrace in my own life. I am incredibly honoured, excited and aware that my role is to lead my team and more than that, support, inspire and create the chance to do something different. To be the difference. And when the visor goes down, nothing else matters. This is racing.”

The team will attend the media launch and testing in May immediately ahead of the first race and is accepting sponsorship proposals from brands that share the team’s values and ambitions. This is a game changer and this team isn’t just ticking the equality box – these riders are world class athletes at the top of their game and our mission is to bring a fresh dynamic, challenge perceptions, change minds, win respect and acknowledge talent while creating memories, making history and having fun.

Let’s race!

________________________________________

About SEKHMET RACING: [sekhmetracing.com]

An International Motorcycle Racing Team founded in 2024 by Maddi Patterson as a part of her agency PHNX Powersport Promotions, based in Europe. SEKHMET RACING is a multi-discipline motorsport team operating and competing in the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship and working with motorcycle manufacturers in road/circuit racing globally.

About the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship:

This ground-breaking event promises to be a thrilling addition to the world of motorcycling, featuring women riders competing on a global stage.

Key details about the new series were revealed in a press conference held during the Prometeon Spanish Round at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto with FIM President Jorge Viegas, FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission Director Janika Judeika, WorldSBK Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla and Yamaha Motor Europe President and CEO Eric de Seynes.

The 2024 FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship will comprise six rounds and one pre-season test, all integrated within the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.


1. Emilia Romagna Round, Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” – June 14th-16th
2. UK Round, Donington Park Circuit – July 12th-14th
3. Portuguese Round, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – August 9th-11th
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit – August 23rd-25th
5. Italian Round, Cremona Circuit – September 20th-22nd
6. Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto – October 18th- 20th


During each round, the action will unfold as follows: Superpoles on Friday, Race 1 on Saturday, and Race 2 on Sunday, offering fans a full weekend of adrenaline-pumping racing.

Yamaha, with their Yamaha YZF-R7 model, will serve as the single manufacturer for the Championship.

Team HRC has officially launched their 2024 World Superbike campaign with the reveal of their 2024 machine, the new CBR-1000RR-R. Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona will pilot the two bike program for 2024. The bike features new upgrades from last year including a new aero package as well as an enhanced electronics package. The livery will include the traditional Team HRC red white and blue graphics. Here is what the riders had to say at the release.

Xavi Vierge

“I like the winter period, as I can spend more time at home and make plans ahead of the new season. I love MX and can ride more over winter than at any other time. I try to do a lot of motorcycle training and cycling too. I’m based in Barcelona and there are many tracks for MX and supermoto very close to my home, within 30 minutes, so I spend a lot of time doing that. It’s great fun.

I’m really looking forward to this year. We always say that our goal is to win and HRC has made an enormous effort to bring us a great new bike. I too am working hard to prepare in order to start the season strong…We are a factory team, and our performance needs to reflect this. I think it’s important to focus on the present and work hard, test by test and race by race, so that we can be ready to fight for big things.”

Iker Lecuona

I’m very happy to be a factory rider with the same team for a third year and it means I’m motivated to work hard during the pre-season. I had a small surgery on my hand in early December so that I would have time to recover and then have the right energy and attitude to get back on the bike and work hard in January. I know my goal, I know my aims, and I know where I want to improve, so I’m trying to focus on those areas with the aim of being able to fight at the front in Australia and beyond. Let’s see what happens…

The goal is to fight for the podium. We reached the podium in our first year but not last year, which was more challenging. So our first goal is to develop the bike to a level that allows us to fight at the front and fight for the podium. We want to achieve more top three finishes, and then take it from there.”