Ups and downs Down Under: Memorable debuts, triumphant returns, and a tough round in Australia marked the beginning of the new era in WorldSBK. The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship roared to life at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, treating fans to breathtaking racing and unforgettable moments. As we reflect on the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round, let's dive into the rollercoaster of highs and lows that unfolded in the first round of 2024.
Alex Lowes Back on Top: Leading the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK, Alex Lowes, now under Pere Riba's guidance, stole the spotlight in Australia. With a solid third-place start, he secured a fourth in Race 1, but Sunday brought a spectacular comeback. Breaking a four-year dry spell, Lowes dominated the Tissot Superpole Race and clinched victory in Race 2 with a daring move around Alvaro Bautista.
Bulega’s Brilliance: Nicolo Bulega of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati made a stellar debut, claiming pole and converting it into a Race 1 victory. Despite a setback in the first half, he strategically used the mandatory pit stop to secure the win. Bulega showcased his prowess with two more top-five finishes on Sunday, setting the stage for an exciting 2024 campaign.
Iannone’s Back: Andrea Iannone of Team GoEleven made a remarkable return to competitive riding after four years. The Italian, quick in testing, went pole position, secured a podium in Race 1, and battled back to fourth in Race 2 after a hiccup in the Superpole Race. Iannone proved he hadn't lost his edge.
What Could’ve Been: Andrea Locatelli and Toprak Razgatlioglu faced setbacks in Race 2 despite strong performances. Locatelli, challenging for wins, crashed on the final lap, while Razgatlioglu, in his BMW debut, retired due to an engine issue while contending for a podium.
Weekends to Forget: Jonathan Rea's highly anticipated debut with Pata Prometeon Yamaha didn't go as planned, with crashes in Superpole and Race 2. Remy Gardner had a mixed bag, retiring from Race 1 but bouncing back to 12th in Race 2. Honda's struggles continued with Xavi Vierge's best of tenth, and Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) left as the lowest-placed BMW rider in the standings.
The Phillip Island round truly set the stage for a thrilling WorldSBK season, leaving fans hungry for more action as the championship unfolds. 🏍️🌊🏁 #WorldSBK #PhillipIslandThrills #RacingDramaDownUnder
