WorldSBK Pre-Season Testing Concludes in Portimao Amid Mixed Conditions

Rain disrupts final pre-season test as Lowes tops timesheets; Razgatlıoglu and Bautista battle injuries ahead of Phillip Island opener.

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The 2025 World Superbike (WorldSBK) pre-season testing came to a close in Portimao, Portugal, with mixed weather conditions disrupting the final two-day session. As the paddock now prepares to head to Phillip Island, Australia, for the season opener, riders face challenges on track, with rain playing a significant role in limiting running times and lap speeds on the second day.

Alex Lowes of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team emerged as the fastest rider on the second day, setting a time of 1:42.096 during a morning session that was intermittently interrupted by rain. Lowes’ time remained unbeaten as the afternoon saw heavier rain, preventing riders from improving their lap times.

Toprak Razgatlıoglu, the reigning World Champion from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, finished just 0.005 seconds behind Lowes, securing the second-fastest time despite battling a broken finger sustained during an enduro riding incident.

Razgatlıoglu opted to limit his running in the wet conditions, stating, “I did two or three laps, and after that, my day was over because I don’t want to ride in the wet. My fingers are not 100%, and if I crash in the wet, it would be very dangerous for me.”

Alvaro Bautista of the Aruba.It Racing – Ducati team rounded out the top three, finishing almost a second slower than Lowes. Bautista’s day was marred by a high-side crash at Turn 9, which left him with soreness in his head, left arm, and hand. Despite the setback, the Spaniard managed to complete a few laps after the crash to assess his condition. “I hope to make a full recovery for Phillip Island and regain my confidence there,” Bautista said.

Markus Reiterberger was the most active rider on the day, completing 49 laps, while Bahattin Sofuoglu followed with 20 laps. Most riders, however, struggled to reach double figures due to the unpredictable weather.

Andrea Locatelli of the Pata Maxus Yamaha team was the fastest Yamaha rider, finishing fourth overall with a time of 1:43.131s. Locatelli continued to evaluate key components for Yamaha, building on a productive test in Jerez earlier in the pre-season.

In the World Supersport (WorldSSP) category, Philipp Oettl of the Feel Racing WorldSSP Team was the only rider to take to the track during the final day of testing.

The Portimao test marked the end of pre-season testing in Europe, with teams and riders now turning their attention to the official test at Phillip Island on February 17-18. The Australian round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will follow, running from Friday, February 21, to Sunday, February 23.

As the season approaches, the focus will be on whether riders like Razgatlıoglu and Bautista can overcome their injuries and challenges to compete at the highest level, while Lowes and others aim to carry their pre-season momentum into the opening round.