WorldSBK: Bimota Take Center Stage in Jerez Test

Bimota returns to the WorldSBK grid with a new machine as Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani debut the KB998 for the newly formed Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team at the Jerez two-day test.

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Just days after the 2024 season wrapped up, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is already shifting its focus to 2025, with a key two-day test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. 

This test marks the first appearance of the new Bimota KB998 machine, as the Italian manufacturer returns to the WorldSBK grid, alongside Garrett Gerloff’s highly anticipated debut on Kawasaki machinery.

The Kawasaki-powered Bimota KB998 made its public debut, with Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani returning to ride for the newly named Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team (BbKRT). The team, formerly the Kawasaki Racing Team, has maintained continuity in its rider lineup and technical staff under Provec Racing’s management as they kickstart this new venture.

The test at Jerez, which took place on October 22-23, provided a first glimpse of the Bimota project, with the riders showcasing their new team colours after competing under the iconic Kawasaki Green in 2024. 

Test rider Florian Marino took charge on the first day, introducing the KB998’s track package, while Lowes and Bassani hit the track on day two, setting competitive lap times in the early stages of the bike’s development.

Bassani set the pace with a fastest lap of 1’38.478, narrowly edging out teammate Lowes, who clocked in at 1’38.679. The times indicated a strong start for the BbKRT team, as only one rider on the first day of testing managed to record a faster lap.

Reflecting on the test, Alex Lowes shared his confidence, saying, “We started to try a few things on the bike to see how the changes affected it. It was positive overall. We have to start the learning process again, but we started quite well.”

Axel Bassani echoed similar sentiments, noting, “We had to discover everything with the new bike, but I think the team did a very good job, and I felt good on it.”

Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, highlighted the positive aspects of the test, remarking, “On the first day, Florian did all the checks to prepare for day two. In terms of lap time, we’re already at a good level, which is very encouraging.”

While the Bimota KB998 features many new components, the team remains largely the same, carrying over key personnel from their previous tenure with the Kawasaki Racing Team. The next test for BbKRT is scheduled for October 29-30 at Motorland Aragon in northern Spain, where further development will continue ahead of the 2025 season.