Pata Yamaha Ready for Balaton Park Debut

Andrea Locatelli and Jonathan Rea take on the unknown as WorldSBK heads to Hungary’s Balaton Park for the first time.

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The FIM Superbike World Championship heads into uncharted territory this weekend as Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary joins the calendar for the first time. The Pata Maxus Yamaha team, featuring riders Andrea Locatelli and Jonathan Rea, is looking to capitalise on recent momentum as the series enters its final round before the summer break.

Strong Form Heading Into the Unknown

The team arrives at Balaton Park after a productive weekend at Donington Park. Rea secured his best qualifying result of the season in fourth and followed it with two top-six finishes. Locatelli, meanwhile, continued his consistent points-scoring form, finishing fourth, fifth, and fourth across the three races. His efforts keep him firmly in contention for a top-three finish in the championship standings.

The Hungarian circuit will pose a unique challenge for all teams. This marks the first time the WorldSBK paddock will compete on the 4.075 km, 17-turn anti-clockwise layout, which was completed in 2023. Neither Rea nor Locatelli has ridden the track before. Thus, adding emphasis to Friday’s Free Practice sessions following the initial track walk on Thursday.

Valuable Insights from Within the Team

While the WorldSBK riders are new to Balaton Park, Beatriz Neila, representing Ampito Crescent Yamaha in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, already has experience at the circuit. Neila participated in a recent track day to prepare for her upcoming race. Currently, she sits just nine points off the lead after claiming her second career win at Donington.

Key Timings and Sessions

Track action begins on Friday with

• WorldWCR Free Practice at 9:40 CEST
• WorldSBK Free Practice 1 at 10:20 CEST
• Superpole qualifying at 14:10
• WorldSBK Free Practice 2 at 15:00

As WorldSBK breaks new ground in Hungary, Pata Maxus Yamaha enters the weekend with form, experience, and ambition on their side. With limited prior data and equal footing for all teams, the stage is set for a highly competitive and unpredictable round at Balaton Park.