Image: Ducati Corse Media
The World Superbike Championship is about to return this weekend for the fourth round of the 2024 season at the renowned Misano circuit in Italy.
Almost two months have passed since the third round in Assen, which saw Nicholas Spinelli achieve an impressive first victory in Race 1, followed by Alvaro Bautista and Toprak Razgatlioglu, who took turns to win the Superpole Race and Race 2, respectively.
As we head to Misano this weekend, Bautista, racing for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, maintains a narrow six-point lead over Razgatlioglu of ROKiT BMW Motorrad in the championship standings, with 123 points against 117 points.
The reigning champion secured fourth position in the combined timesheets during the official test in Misano last month and expressed satisfaction with the progress made by both himself and the team ahead of this weekend’s action and the rest of the season.
“We tried some electronic solutions focused on engine delivery,” he said. “So far, we have mainly focused on the setup, so having the opportunity to work on this aspect was crucial not only for the Misano round, but also for the rest of the season.”
Bautista’s impressive rookie teammate, Nicolo Bulega, who previously won a race in Misano in the World Supersport category, currently holds third position in the standings with 109 points and performed well by finishing second overall in the tests.
On the other hand, Razgatlioglu, a surprising title contender in a rejuvenated BMW, concluded the Misano test at the top and undoubtedly appears to be the favorite for the race weekend.
“In general, it seems that we are ready for the race,” said the Turkish rider to WorldSBK after the test in Misano. “I hope we can win all three races. It’s my dream with BMW!”
Alex Lowes, currently in fourth place in the standings with 93 points and winner of the race in the first round of the season for Kawasaki, is doing an excellent job leading the Japanese team in the absence of Jonathan Rea, who transferred to Yamaha.
Lowes expressed optimism after the Misano test and stated, “We are constantly improving.”
His team boss, Pere Riba, echoed the sentiment by adding, “We gathered valuable information [in Misano] and it seems like we have made progress. Our desired direction is clearer now.”
Another rider looking to make progress is the six-time champion Rea, who has been working hard to adapt to the Yamaha R1 over the first three rounds of this year’s campaign.
Rea achieved the second fastest time on the last day of the Misano test and enters this weekend feeling more comfortable on the Yamaha machine.
“I enjoyed riding the R1 during this test. We approached it with some different setup ideas compared to my ‘base bike’ from previous races, and I was able to ride in a more familiar way, trying to make the Yamaha R1 complement my riding and subtly adapt to the bike,” explained Rea.
“Possibly, I felt better with the Yamaha R1 and with my team, but there is still room for improvement, so I am optimistic.”
A confident Jonathan Rea is an exciting possibility, and if he can maintain his new form on the Pata Prometeon Yamaha R1 in this upcoming event, spectators may witness another chapter in the rivalry between Bautista, Razgatlioglu, and Rea.
However, besides the championship contenders and Superbike legends, there are several other stories to keep an eye on in Misano this weekend.
Não apenas Alvaro Bautista e Niccolo Bulega estarão buscando impressionar nas Ducatis de fábrica, mas os promissores estreantes Andrea Iannone e Sam Lowes também estarão esperando brilhar em suas respectivas equipes GoEleven e MarcVDS Panigales.
Além disso, a torcida local estará ansiosa para ver Andrea Locatelli, da Yamaha, continuar sua impressionante temporada, enquanto Axel Bassani, da Kawasaki, estará procurando dar início a sua campanha de forma séria neste fim de semana.
A Aruba.it Racing – Ducati também tem um trunfo na manga neste fim de semana, com o renomado piloto de testes Michele Pirro fazendo uma aparição especial.
Pirro não é apenas um dos melhores pilotos de teste do mundo, mas também um piloto habilidoso, e ele pode muito bem estar na disputa pelo que será sua primeira aparição nas Superbikes em cinco anos.
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O piloto de Fórmula 1, Max Verstappen, conquistou uma vitória impressionante no Grande Prêmio do Brasil neste domingo. Verstappen, que largou em segundo lugar, conseguiu ultrapassar Lewis Hamilton na última volta para garantir a vitória. Foi uma corrida emocionante, com várias ultrapassagens e momentos de tensão. Verstappen mostrou sua habilidade e determinação ao segurar Hamilton e garantir a vitória para a equipe Red Bull.
A corrida começou com Hamilton na pole position, seguido por Verstappen. Os dois pilotos travaram uma batalha intensa durante toda a corrida, com Verstappen pressionando Hamilton a cada volta. Faltando apenas algumas voltas para o final, Verstappen conseguiu se aproximar de Hamilton e aproveitar uma oportunidade para ultrapassá-lo. Foi um movimento ousado e arriscado, mas Verstappen conseguiu completar a manobra e assumir a liderança.
Hamilton tried to recover the position, but Verstappen defended himself masterfully. He showed great skill in keeping Hamilton behind him, even under intense pressure. The Red Bull team also played a crucial role in providing Verstappen with a competitive car and intelligent strategies. In the end, Verstappen crossed the finish line in first place, with Hamilton in second and Sergio Perez in third.
Verstappen’s victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix is an important milestone in his career. He has shown that he has the talent and determination to compete with the best drivers in the world. Verstappen has also closed the gap on Hamilton in the drivers’ championship, reducing the difference to just a few points. With only a few races remaining this season, the battle for the title is becoming increasingly fierce.
Formula 1 fans are eager to see what will happen in the next races. Verstappen and Hamilton are competing at a high level and every point is crucial. The rivalry between the two drivers has been intense throughout the season and promises to continue until the end. It will be an exciting battle until the last race.
Overall, the Brazilian Grand Prix was an exciting and action-packed race. Verstappen showcased his talent by securing an impressive victory and closing in on Hamilton in the championship. Formula 1 fans are excited for the upcoming races and are expecting more thrilling moments.
