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.”
Kawasaki Racing Team has announced a new sponsorship with Motul. Motul is now as top sponsor for the Kawasaki World Superbike team which ushers in a new era for the Japanese manufacturer. The company also sponsors the WorldSBK championship which provides KRT with global brand awareness as well. Motul is a top brand for motorcycle lubricants in competitions across the world. The team spoke on the move releasing the following comments.
Pierre Barrard (Chief Marketing Officer of Motul):
“We are thrilled to further integrate into the Kawasaki family, continuing an exciting journey that defines us as a 360° partner. WorldSBK team partnership, symbolizing not only a strategic alliance on product and technology, but also the shared passion for innovation and performance that characterizes both Kawasaki and Motul. As we embark on this new racing season as the official sponsor of the Kawasaki Racing Team in the WorldSBK Championship, we look forward to demonstrating our combined strengths to reach together new heights in the world of motorcycle racing”
Manabu Shinobu (Senior Manager Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. Marketing Department):
“As a company with engineering at its core, Kawasaki continually strives for perfection. For the best performance in our engines and ancillary systems such as brakes and drivetrains, we demand the very best lubricants and allied products as well as requiring consistency of quality on a global scale. We are therefore delighted to have achieved this agreement with Motul that includes both core lubricants and also bike care products, ensuring that we will maintain the cutting-edge performance of the Kawasaki Racing Team.”
Guim Roda (KRT Team Manager):
“The new partnership with Motul begins now and I am convinced it will quickly gather momentum and grow in significance over the coming years. We recognize and respect the efforts of Motul within the racing sphere and their wider commitment supporting many activities to bring the spirit of racing to all motorcycle and motorsport fans across the world. We have respect for this global reach and reputation, and it fits with our own KRT racing philosophy. At the same time, we are impressed with their technical development skills, creating the best products possible. In the world of lubricants, Motul is a major player combining professionalism with passion and this makes them an attractive partner. I’m sure we will work well as a team delivering success for each other and Kawasaki fans globally.”
The following article was not written by Speed Trap Magazine Staff.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s new season is getting closer, and the rev limits for each manufacturer have been unveiled. With new regulations coming into effect that mean rpms can only be changed in specific scenarios – more details here – the limits are the ones that each manufacturer ended last season with, with the exception of Ducati who return to their original 2023 number as part of the new package of rules.
Below are the RPM limits for the 2024 WorldSBK manufacturers, see more information here:
Kawasaki: 15100
Ducati: 16100
Yamaha: 15200
BMW: 15500
Honda: 15600
Nicolo Bulega has made a statement thus far in 2024. After topping the table in the Jerez pre season test Bulega came back to repeat the feat on Day 1 of the Portimão testing event. However, the experience of Toprak Razgatlioglu rocketed Raz to the top of the table on Day 2. No one really expected Bulega to be competitive right off of the bat in World Superbike. Whether he can translate his early season testing success into race wins will be a mystery until the opening round. Bulega has made it clear that he is not yet pushing 100%.
“It was a very good day; my feeling with the bike is nice. Obviously, I need to adapt as I’m not at 100% but it’s normal. We’re working very well all together. I’ll go to Australia with good positivity. The lap was with the SCQ but with the SCX, I was very fast so apart from lap times – which are important but not a lot – I am happy because my race pace was good.
I think it has been very good; we started at Jerez with a normal feeling but every day, my feeling was getting better, so this is very important and I think we have some margin. We’ll try to be more ready in Australia. It’s a little bit better than expected. I don’t have a lot of things to do; more time on the bike, do more laps and understand the bike better with worn tires and low fuel. I am excited and looking forward to Australia with this amazing bike, as Phillip Island is my favorite circuit.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I have to say that I was also surprised when I saw the 1:39.2 with the SCX tire. Before, I did a 1:39.8 with the SC0 tyre and then I said to the team, if I am feeling a little more grip with the SCX tyre, we will make a very good lap time. So we did. Then I wanted to try the Q tyre and we got one from the Bonovo team, thanks to them. We tried to do another good lap time with that but the bike setup is completely different and I had the feeling that the bike was just jumping because there was too much grip.
But in general I am very happy. After this test, it looks like we are 99 percent ready with the bike. But again, we are still learning, getting better every day. I don’t know how it will be in Phillip Island. We were very strong here on these two days. Also our pace on race tyres is really strong. But Phillip Island is completely different. We will see there, it is impossible to say anything before the race or the test. But in general, this atmosphere is very good, I am very happy and we did a very good job on these two days.”
Top 10 on Day 2 of Testing
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’39.189s – 74 laps
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.086s – 61 laps
3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.332s – 90 laps
4. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.377s – 79 laps
5. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.428s – 76 laps
6. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) +0.489s– 80 laps
7. Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha Prometeon) +0.496s – 64 laps
8. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.767s – 53 laps
9. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.946s – 76 laps
10. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.947s – 59 laps
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing) set the tone on Day two of the Pre Season Jerez test. Bulega lapped at a faster than lap record pace ahead of many of the more seasoned riders on the grid including 8 time champion Jonathan Rea. Bulega piloted the fastest Ducati on the day and had the following words after the session.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11)
“I am happy because we took another step forward, even compared to yesterday, and the feeling has grown steadily. We worked well on the time attack and that means I was also able to improve on the qualifying tires. I think it was an important test and now we go to Portimao to continue on this path. Today’s lap time? It doesn’t change anything: I remain a rookie and my objectives are different to the top riders”.
The top ten from Day 2 at Jerez:
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’37.809, 69 laps
2. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 1’38.345s, 78 laps
3. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) 1’38.572s, 77 laps
4. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’38.638s, 78 laps
5. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) 1’38.744s, 61 laps
6. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) 1’38.832s, 74 laps
7. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’38,852s, 91 laps
8. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’38.871s, 76 laps
9. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’38.907s, 73 laps
10. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 1’38.943s, 73 laps
World Superbike rookie Nicolò Bulega has began work at his new post after joining the Aruba.it factory Ducati team for the 2024 World Superbike season. The team held a launch event where Bulega voice some of his thoughts on the move to World Superbike and chemistry with his Ducati Panigale V4 R. The reigning World Supersport champion will be on track this week during the Jerez testing event.
“It feels amazing. It’s a good opportunity for me. I know it’ll be a very important year. I will try to enjoy this incredible bike and team and try to do my best. We go to Spain for the first test of the year. I think it’ll be very important to prepare me and the bike to have a good feeling for when we go to Phillip Island in a month.
Referring to previous tests Bulega Continued, “I was very happy. My lap time was good, and my feeling was good. But I was only at 80%. I was very happy to be fast and to be at 80%. I think I have a very good package and team so I will try to bring out all my speed and talent. I have to improve everywhere a little bit because it’s a new bike for me. I’ve never tried a bike with so much horsepower, so I need to adapt my riding style to understand it better. When you ride this very fast bike, you have to understand braking points, how to accelerate and pick up, and you have to adapt to this bike. I think I have to improve everywhere and try to be fast.”
Bulega Could Benefit from Bautista’s Mentorship
Bulega will have his work cut out for him as his teammate Alvaro Bautista is riding in his prime. Bautista will be working on a third straight championship so the pressure to perform will be high for the young Supersport champion. However, given the proximity to Baustista, Bulega has the opportunity to learn from the best. Bulega will have Alvaro Bautista as well as the data from Bautista’s runs to help him get acclimated. Bulega is excited about the opportunity and wants to impress. He stated, “Being here with these beautiful bikes is just amazing. Being here with incredible teammates is wonderful. This is a beautiful experience, seeing it from inside and outside. Last year, when I was called to join this presentation, I was extremely happy.
I’m enjoying it and I’ll do my best. Having Alvaro with me in the team will be tough because he’s such a good racer. I’ll be suffering because Alvaro will be fast all the time, throughout the season. It’ll be my first year as an official rider, so I will have to learn so many things. Having Alvaro as a teammate will be paramount, will be crucial, for me. I’ll try to copy and paste, steal some secrets from him, to be faster. It’s an amazing motorcycle. In my opinion, this new livery is amazing. Last year, it was already beautiful, but this is even better.”