The Exciting WorldSBK Warm Up: Damp Mornings and Slick Tyres!
A damp but sunny Sunday morning is a classic conundrum—kind of like trying to decide between a cup of coffee or a pint of lager! But for the riders at the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship basking in the delightful chaos at the Circuito Estoril in Portugal, it was game on, regardless of the wet patches. No rain would stop these daring riders; they donned their slick tyres and hit the track, proving yet again that riding bikes in a light drizzle is just another day at the office for a superbiker. If anything, it’s a little like a Friday night at the pub: slightly wet, a bit slippery, but you get to dive in full throttle!
A particular spot on the track—Turn 8, the notorious slippery chicane—proved to be the ultimate test of finesse. If bikers thought they could just roll in like they owned the place, they found themselves taking a detour straight into “oops-ville.” By the end of the warm-up session, it was Alex Lowes from Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK who showed the rest how it’s done, topping the timesheets and making it look easy. He must have been feeling like the king of the track—like a toddler with a shiny new toy!
The riders were understandably gun-shy during the opening laps, with some preferring to stay in their boxes—probably preparing a hefty breakfast or contemplating their life choices rather than risk an early morning spill. Alex Lowes ended up fourth in Race 1 but skidded to the top in the warm-up. Meanwhile, Xavi Vierge from Team HRC continued his stellar weekend showing and revved his engine to secure second place in the warm-up. It’s clear that Honda had one heck of an uplifting Sunday morning, proving that their riders were not just a setback but a setup for a phenomenal comeback!
After a dramatic tumble in Race 1 on Saturday, Alvaro Bautista (from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) clearly regained his riding mojo, setting blistering early speeds before ultimately sliding into third place. Like a child who drops their ice cream cone but then finds out Mom packed an extra one—what a fortunate turnaround! Axel Bassani aimed to redeem himself from his Race 1 woes, finagling his way into fourth position. It appears the competitive spirit runs high, much like a Yorkshireman at an all-you-can-eat buffet!
And what do you know? The top five were rounded out by Sam Lowes from Elf Marc VDS Racing Team, who must have felt like he’d won the lottery on lap time—though how anyone manages to feel lucky in a sea of fast bikes and temperamental weather is beyond me! Meanwhile, ten riders managed to set lap times; the rest probably stayed in their paddocks, sipping coffee and pondering the finer points of tire technology—because let’s face it, jackets are one size fits all, but bike repairs come with a hefty price tag!
Wrapping up the top ten were the likes of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) who’s hoping for a recovery after his unfortunate fall in Race 1. I mean, would it kill him to stick the landing? Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) eyed points for P7 while home hero Ivo Lopes took his moment as the local boy at MIE Racing Honda Team, securing eighth place. Brad Ray and Andrea Locatelli followed close behind, potentially discussing the weather and how slippery it was down by Turn 8—which, by the way, is evidently the new hotspot for ‘who can take a tumble first?’
Just in case you need proof of the ‘thrill-a-minute’ showcase that took place, here are the top six after the WorldSBK Warm Up:
| Position | Rider | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Lowes | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK | 1’42.132 |
| 2 | Xavi Vierge | Team HRC | +0.439s |
| 3 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati | +0.463s |
| 4 | Axel Bassani | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK | +0.908s |
| 5 | Sam Lowes | Elf Marc VDS Racing Team | +1.441s |
| 6 | Danilo Petrucci | Barni Spark Racing Team | +1.821s |
So there you have it—a lively morning of adrenaline, agility, and some slick handling at the Circuito Estoril. As we gear up for the final two races of the weekend, don’t forget to grab your WorldSBK VideoPass—because who doesn’t want to watch a bunch of highly skilled riders risk it all for glory, while we sip our coffee on the sofa? Racing fans, strap yourselves in; it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!
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