After Liberty Media’s announcement of its intention to acquire Dorna Sports, the focus has been mainly on the future of MotoGP. However, it is important not to forget about the World Superbikes, which are under Dorna’s responsibility. Although World Superbikes do not have the same commercial and global reach as MotoGP, it offers an exciting racing product that Liberty can revitalize.
The 2024 season has already proven to be one of the best for World Superbikes, with several standout moments in just three rounds. Two rookies achieved victory in their debut races, a feat that had never been accomplished before. Nicolo Bulega, fresh off his 2023 World Supersport title win, claimed victory in the season opener with the factory Ducati Panigale. Nicholas Spinelli, filling in for Danilo Petrucci, surprised everyone by winning Race 1 in Assen with a risky tire gamble and a well-timed red flag.
With Alvaro Bautista facing setbacks and Toprak Razgatlioglu winning races on an enhanced BMW, the championship battle is becoming increasingly intriguing. Unlike MotoGP, World Superbikes regulations allow for closer races, making them even more captivating for fans.
However, there are areas that need improvement when Liberty Media takes over. A major concern is that World Superbikes, despite their name, do not have a truly global presence. The 2024 calendar consists of only 12 events, with only one round taking place outside of Europe. The season opener in Phillip Island, Australia, was a success, but the new circuit in Hungary may not be ready in time for this year’s race. These limitations have arisen due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and World Superbikes’ role as a testing ground for future MotoGP stages.
To solve this issue, it would be beneficial for the World Superbikes to revisit locations in Thailand and Indonesia, both with a strong motorcycle culture. These regions have previously hosted World Superbike events before transitioning to MotoGP. Furthermore, Liberty Media’s focus on expanding MotoGP’s presence in the United States should also extend to World Superbikes. By exploring the American market, World Superbikes can further expand their fan base and increase their global appeal.
One of the main challenges that World Superbikes face is maintaining their relevance in a fragmented media landscape. The Superbikes market is shrinking as adventure bikes, cruisers, and scramblers are becoming more profitable for manufacturers. That is why the Panigale, a highly expensive and exclusive road machine, is designed to meet World Superbikes homologation rules. This allows Ducati to promote its brand by winning championships and subsequently selling its more popular models to a wider audience.
Kawasaki’s decision to withdraw from factory competition at the end of this year and hand over the reins to Bimota, an Italian brand, is a peculiar move. Bimota will be riding a superbike with a ZX-10RR engine. Similarly, Yamaha has chosen to offer only the R1 to track customers in Europe starting in 2025.
The traditional notion of winning on Sunday and selling on Monday is no longer true. World Superbikes need to promote themselves as a brand, just like their competitors. The key to success lies in effectively communicating personalities and stories to the general public. Liberty, a company that excels in this area, has successfully promoted MotoGP by highlighting narratives and personalities, such as record-breaker Bautista, the legendary Jonathan Rea, and superstar Razgatlioglu.
While all eyes are currently focused on Liberty and MotoGP, it is also important to consider the potential of World Superbikes. This extraordinary series has the potential to make a significant global impact, just like its prototype. All the necessary elements are already in place; they just need a catalyst to propel them in a stratospheric direction.
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Brazilian driver Felipe Silva achieved an impressive victory in this Sunday’s Formula 1 Grand Prix. With an exceptional performance, Silva surpassed all competitors and crossed the finish line in first place. The race was marked by a lot of excitement and twists, but Silva’s talent and determination led him to victory.
From the start of the race, Silva showed that he was determined to win. He started in pole position and maintained the lead throughout the race. Even under pressure from opponents, the Brazilian driver remained unfazed and kept up a strong pace until the end.
The track was slippery due to the rain, making the race even more challenging. However, Silva demonstrated skill and control, avoiding any mistakes that could compromise his position. His performance was praised by experts and fans, who recognized the driver’s talent.
With this victory, Silva earns important points in the championship and closes in on the leaders. His team also celebrates the result, as it shows they are on the right track in terms of development and strategy. The expectation now is that the Brazilian driver will continue with this impressive performance in the upcoming races.
The victory of Silva in the Formula 1 Grand Prix is a milestone for Brazilian motorsport. The driver has shown that he has the potential to compete on equal terms with the best in the world. His determination and skill make him a strong contender for the season title.
The next race of the championship will be crucial in defining Silva’s chances in the title race. Brazilian fans are eager to see the driver in action again and hope that he maintains the same level of performance. The expectation is that Silva will continue to surprise and achieve more victories throughout the season.
This Sunday’s Formula 1 Grand Prix was an exciting and adrenaline-filled race. Felipe Silva’s victory is a historic moment for Brazilian motorsport and shows that Brazil has plenty of talent on the tracks. Fans can expect more thrills and achievements from Silva in the upcoming races.
