Recapping the opening day of WorldSBK/SSP/WCR Prac...

WorldSBK 2025

Spherical 4 – Cremona – Friday

Nicolo Bulega – P1

“I’ve a powerful mentality from Assen as a result of I used to be very quick there. I wished to convey that optimistic feeling right here to Cremona. I don’t actually like this monitor as a result of my driving fashion doesn’t go well with  it very effectively. I’ll at all times attempt to do my greatest and work effectively with the mechanics for the most effective outcome. Toprak is at all times very robust and I feel one of these monitor fits his driving fashion very well. He’ll be quick. I additionally count on different riders to be aggressive. At this time, I felt fairly good. My tyre consumption was good and my tempo was robust. We have to hold enhancing as a result of everybody will take a step ahead tomorrow so now we have to enhance as effectively. We’ll see what occurs.”

Toprak Razgatlıoglu – P2

“We’re nonetheless engaged on the bike as a result of we’d like a extremely good setup for the race. At this time, we centered particularly on enhancing rear grip. I didn’t initially plan a race simulation however with the recent situations it turned clear we wanted extra grip on the rear. We discovered one thing as a result of within the final run I used to be in a position to set a superb lap time. I felt extra grip, which is optimistic, however we nonetheless want extra. The others are very robust. Bulega was doing 1’29s fairly simply. It’s wanting a bit higher for us as a result of we’ve made some progress and hopefully we will discover a bit extra tomorrow. After lacking this spherical final yr I’m actually having fun with driving this monitor.”

Danilo Petrucci – P3

“It’s a vital race and there are plenty of expectations after profitable right here final yr. That is our residence race, so let’s see how we really feel tomorrow. I’m fairly completely happy right this moment regardless of a small crash this morning. There was no warning for the crash however the climate could be very totally different in comparison with final yr. It’s actually scorching now and there have been plenty of crashes already. It’ll be tough to remain out of bother as a result of it’s very tough to seek out rear traction. I’m fairly calm and I’m not fascinated with profitable or something like that. I simply wish to go into Superpole and attempt to be on the primary or second row. Then we’ll play my playing cards within the race. There’s plenty of stress on me however I’m shocking myself. I don’t wish to make any errors tomorrow and if I can end inside the highest 5, or get on the rostrum, that will be an amazing outcome.”

Iker Lecuona – P4

“It was a optimistic Friday. I pushed a bit greater than the final two rounds, the place I took issues a lot simpler on day one. However this Friday felt a bit totally different as a result of final yr we had a extremely good efficiency right here, so I put extra stress on myself to be a bit extra on the tempo straight away. Up to now, I really feel actually good on the bike. Even this morning, after we had some issues to regulate on the bike, I used to be in a position to set a aggressive lap time. By the afternoon, the group had finished an amazing job to repair these points. In FP2, situations have been trickier – it was a lot hotter, and we had some points with rear grip. We’ve at all times struggled with that in scorching situations and right this moment was no totally different. However we completed inside the highest six additionally within the afternoon, which is an effective outcome. We now know this monitor effectively, and it’s one of many stronger ones for us in the course of the season. Crucial factor for the race shall be to attempt to keep away from errors – I’ve seen many riders making errors right this moment, myself included, particularly within the braking zones. It’s simple to run a bit huge, and even crash. We simply want to stay constant. The aim proper now could be to maintain enhancing and to try to be as robust as attainable in qualifying. Then, after all, a high 5 end could be nice, and I’ll be aiming for that, however let’s wait and see how the race develops. It’s 23 laps, so the longest race when it comes to laps and in scorching situations. It is going to be powerful, however I really feel excellent bodily and mentally.”

Axel Bassani – P5

“Like Assen, this is without doubt one of the circuits that now we have not examined at earlier than. For the time being issues are going positively and it’s at all times good to begin effectively on a race weekend. Our race tempo can also be good and I’m happier to do this than to set just some quick laps. I didn’t do an actual quick one as a result of over the last lap, once I tried to enhance my time, I crashed. However, it’s OK, as a result of I did a 1’29.6 on lap 11 or 12, so I’m proud of the sensation I’ve with the bike now.”

Andrea Locatelli – P7

“In the long run, it was a superb day for me and for positive, we have to enhance a bit extra – particularly on the rhythm to be extra on the entrance in the course of the race. We’re nonetheless dropping loads in Sector 3, that is the principle downside and we want to perceive what we have to do for tomorrow to enhance this space as a result of within the different components of the monitor we’re very aggressive. At this time the monitor was fairly tough and the temperature was excessive, however on the whole I’m completely happy: the sensation is sweet, so wanting ahead for tomorrow the place we are going to attempt to make one other step. It will be good to be preventing for the rostrum as a result of we’re in Italy! A whole lot of followers are coming to look at and we are going to do our greatest!”

Alvaro Bautista – P8

“It’s clear which you can’t be completely happy after three crashes. Nevertheless, the conviction stays that we discovered a optimistic feeling this afternoon. We’ll analyse what occurred, however it’s clear that the crashes in FP2 have been because of issues that I’m positive the group will be capable of resolve”.

Alex Lowes – P9

“That was a scorching one right this moment and I feel the monitor temperature obtained into the 50°C vary this afternoon. That was a brand new expertise for us on the bimota KB998 Rimini. We did a long term this afternoon and we tried one thing on the set-up of the bike. I missed a little bit of feeling, particularly getting into the corners. However now we have plenty of information now after this primary day on the bike in these situations. With all this data we will make extra ahead steps tomorrow. Bodily, I used to be feeling good and I feel that places us in a optimistic place for Saturday.”

Xavi Vierge – P10

“A optimistic day from the beginning, and the sensation with the bike has been fairly good. The situations have been highly regarded, particularly for FP2, and we tried various things with the setup. The start of FP1 was excellent, and I felt assured, so we determined to make an additional change for the afternoon session. However I quickly realized that I didn’t really feel as comfy. We modified the shock in an try to enhance drive, however it had the alternative impact, and I began to expertise plenty of spin, each with used and new tyres. Even so, we wished to finish laps with new tyres to know whether or not we have been on course or not. In the long run, we noticed that it wasn’t your best option. That apart, our race tempo is sort of good. We’re all very shut, so now we have to deal with the qualifying lap, as we all know it’s considered one of our weaker factors. Even a tenth of a second could make an enormous distinction in qualifying, and likewise ranging from a superb place on the grid will make a giant distinction, particularly right here in Cremona”.

Andrea Iannone – P11

“At this time was fairly a fancy day. Within the morning the monitor was very soiled and, off the road, there was no grip in any respect – a lot in order that I even had a slight crash. We labored arduous on totally different areas of the bike and, in the long run, I managed to enhance my time with out altering tyres. For the time being we’re all shut when it comes to gaps. Now we are going to analyse all the information effectively and tomorrow we are going to give our all to get a superb outcome.”

Remy Gardner – P12

“It was a highly regarded Friday right here in Italy. We spent the day evaluating totally different race choices. The morning went effectively—we discovered a superb rhythm early on and managed some robust laps. Within the afternoon, we tried a couple of new issues, and now we’ll overview the information to make a step ahead. We’re not removed from the entrance, and I’m assured we will push more durable in Superpole and Race 1.”

Yari Montella – P14

“It was a difficult day. We struggled with the entrance finish, coping with points we hadn’t skilled earlier than. It’s one thing I felt in a number of areas of the monitor, and we’ll have to work to know how you can scale back it. General, I really feel calm. Tonight, we’ll go over the information with the aim of discovering an efficient resolution to enhance for tomorrow’s qualifying and race.”

Dominique Aegerter – P17

“It wasn’t a straightforward Friday for us. I needed to get used to the monitor once more after lacking final yr’s spherical. It’s been a full yr since I final rode right here, so it took a while to adapt. We made good progress from FP1 to FP2, however we nonetheless have work to do to succeed in our targets. I’m assured we will make additional enhancements in a single day to be extra aggressive in qualifying and Race 1.”

Garrett Gerloff – P18

“It was a bit heat on Friday at Cremona and meaning there was not a ton of grip on the monitor floor. We’re working as a group to try to discover options to our issues. Little-by-little we’re working by way of it and we simply want a greater day tomorrow.”

Tarran Mackenzie – P20

“At this time was fairly optimistic, particularly in FP2. I felt okay in FP1 too, however there have been a few issues I wasn’t so proud of. This afternoon we tried one thing with the electronics, which was undoubtedly a superb step on the older tyre; I set my greatest lap on perhaps lap seventeen. So I’m proud of that, however after we went to place a brand new tyre in, I had a couple of moments and some issues weren’t working fairly as I believed they might. I’m happy with how the sensation was in the direction of the tip of the run, and we’ll attempt to take that optimistic into the weekend. If we will work to enhance the entrance feeling, then I feel we will be there.”

Jonathan Rea – P21

“It’s been a tough day however firstly, my foot feels effective driving – I had a few areas the place my foot was within the improper place and once I trip with my massive toe on the foot peg it feels fairly painful however usually it’s effective. After all, it’s been a very long time off the bike and bodily, I didn’t really feel wonderful. Nevertheless, I anticipated that to an extent and wish some race health again. The R1 is sort of totally different to once I final rode it and we labored by way of FP1 and FP2 with the identical tyre set ups to seek out the rhythm and nonetheless I didn’t really feel totally comfy. We made some modifications however nothing has actually ticked the field but to let me cease the bike in the best way I actually wish to, in order that’s the main target for tonight to present me extra confidence to succeed in the apex. We’ll attempt to make a step tomorrow however – even when it’s actually powerful – it’s nice to be again with the group and re-starting the journey to being totally aggressive.”

Zaqhwan Zaidi – P24

“The monitor is nice – I can say that I’m actually having fun with Cremona Circuit! It’s tough and brief with many corners, however I really feel fairly comfy, regardless of this being my first time right here. I nonetheless have issues to study and wish extra mileage, however perhaps within the scorching situations the driving comes a bit of simpler, or not less than I can get pleasure from it extra. I’ve spoken to the group, and now we have concepts as to what we have to regulate on the bike in order that I can enhance additional. If we will discover the appropriate setup, I feel I can do extra, so tomorrow we’ll a couple of changes and I’ll attempt my greatest to realize a superb outcome.”

Friday WorldSBK Report

In close to excellent situations on the Cremona Circuit Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) topped the instances on his Ducati. The Italian rider loved a powerful begin to the weekend to prepared the ground from championship rival Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Group).

Bulega accomplished 39 laps on the 3.768km lengthy circuit. The Ducati rider topped the instances in each Free Apply periods with a quickest time of 1’29.158.

Having missed final yr’s Italian spherical at Cremona, Razgatlioglu spent the morning understanding the circuit. The Turkish rider notched up 35 laps right this moment and ended the day simply 0.3s slower than Bulega.

With excessive monitor temperatures, 40C in FP1 and nearly 50C in FP2, the monitor floor was slick and performed a job in quite a few crashes. Danilo Petrucci ended the day third quickest however suffered a crash in Free Apply 1.

He wasn’t alone with Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) struggling three crashes. The Spaniard ended the day eighth quickest however solely accomplished 18 laps.

Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) was the busiest rider on monitor with 41 laps and completed the day fourth quickest whereas Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Group) was one place additional again.

Remy Gardner was eight-tenths from Bulega’s benchmark to rank twelfth on the finish of day one.

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) made his return to WorldSBK. The six-time World Champion has sat on the sidelines by way of damage for the primary three rounds and accomplished a full programme of 36 laps right this moment, ending the periods twenty first.

WorldSBK Mixed Apply Instances

WorldSBK Championship Factors

WorldSSP Superpole

Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME air Racing) claimed his thirteenth Superpole within the Supersport class. It was his first pole place since Imola 2023 and likewise the primary time in Supersport historical past {that a} rider has claimed pole place for 4 totally different producers.

Federico Caricasulo – P1

“I felt good on the bike and we made a giant step ahead from the morning. We have been already quick so I’m actually completely happy to make an enchancment. I wish to thank my group and my crew chief as a result of they did a extremely nice job. I really feel assured for tomorrow however I don’t assume tomorrow’s race shall be simple. There are numerous riders who can combat for the rostrum. I hope to be a part of that combat as a result of setting a quick lap time is one factor and race tempo is one other factor. We’ve improved our race tempo however the Yamahas, the opposite MV’s are all robust. I feel anybody from the highest six or seven riders will be on the rostrum.”

Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Group) and Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) accomplished the entrance row. The Yamaha duo circulated collectively on the finish of the session to set their quick instances.

Tom Sales space-Amos (PTR Triumph Manufacturing unit Racing) was considered one of quite a few crashers in the course of the session. The title contender will begin from the third row of the grid.

Oli Bayliss certified 14th whereas countryman Luke Energy will begin from twenty third on the grid.

WorldSSP Superpole Instances

WorldSSP Championship Factors

Having shone in follow, skilled rider Roberta Ponziani certified simply over one tenth of a second from her Klint Ahead Racing team-mate and can line up alongside Maria, in second place, on Saturday’s race grid. Native hero Ponziani is understandably hungry for outcomes at her residence monitor, eager to copy the rostrum she achieved right here in 2024.

Pons Italika Racing FIMLA rider Astrid Madrigal was additionally richly rewarded for her efforts in qualifying. A powerful fourth in follow, the Mexican went one higher in Superpole, falling simply two tenths of a second wanting pole to safe a powerful third place. That is Madrigal’s greatest qualifying efficiency to this point.

Common frontrunners Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) and Sara Sanchez (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Group) positioned a strong fourth and fifth, regardless of the latter struggling an innocuous crash within the last phases. They are going to be joined on row two of the grid by New Zealander Avalon Lewis (Carl Cox Motorsports), a 2025 WorldWCR rookie.

Britain’s Chloe Jones (GR Motosport), Australian Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing), and Spain’s Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Group) make up the third row, this ‘chasing group’ demonstrating constantly robust tempo to this point this season.

The whole WorldWCR has not less than some expertise of this tight Italian monitor, having exploited a two-day check in early April, although temperatures are considerably greater now than they have been one month in the past.

Native rider Denise Dal Zotto (Affinity Sports activities Academy Rokit Rookies) joins the ranks this weekend, competing as a wildcard in entrance of her residence crowd. The Italian certified seventeenth.

The morning’s free follow ran in cooler situations, with Herrera topping the timesheets, lower than two tenths forward of closest rivals Neila and native hero Ponziani.

Group Trasimeno’s Jessica Howden and Sonia Lloyd each suffered a crash throughout qualifying. Although thankfully unharmed, the incidents inevitably impacted on their outcomes right this moment.

Maria Herrera – P1

“I’m actually completely happy to have secured pole place like this, as a result of I felt good proper from the beginning. I attempted to push from the very first lap as a result of I knew the temperatures have been excessive right this moment. I used the slipstream and made a primary quick lap, which was then cancelled with the yellow flag, so I attempted to do it once more and was in a position to set pole. I do know this circuit and had the identical feeling right this moment that I had in April’s check, so the check was undoubtedly helpful. I feel it is going to be arduous to combat with Roberta within the races. Astrid will be there with us too, and Beatriz, so my technique shall be to push arduous straight away and attempt to construct a niche.”

Roberta Ponziani – P2

“I’m completely happy, as qualifying went effectively and we’re separated from pole by nearly nothing, much like final yr. It’s a pity it’s not pole place, however a entrance row begin is essential. We discovered a superb resolution already throughout testing, which meant there wasn’t a lot to vary right this moment, technically talking. The group’s working effectively and I’m completely happy. This monitor isn’t really close to my hometown, however it looks like residence; we’re right here in Italy and final yr I reached the rostrum, one thing I’d love to do once more this weekend after all. That is our aim; we’ll see what we will do.”

Astrid Madrigal – P3

“Wow, I’m actually tremendous completely happy. I believed I might combat, and, in the long run, I ran a extremely good qualifying, very good. I used to be in a position to stick to Maria and Roberta and assume I’ve the rhythm to have the ability to combat tomorrow. A podium is feasible tomorrow, I feel, however I do know I’ve robust competitors. Ending high 5 would already be a superb achievement for me. And if I’m preventing with them, it’s a aim that I’ve to realize this weekend.”

WorldWCR Superpole Instances

WorldWCR Championship Factors

2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship Calendar