BbKRT Optimistic After Productive Cremona Test Ahead of WorldSBK Race Weekend

Axel Bassani and Alex Lowes completed a valuable test at the Cremona Circuit, giving the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team useful data ahead of the upcoming WorldSBK round later this month.

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The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team (BbKRT) made the most of a one-day WorldSBK test at the Cremona Circuit on 10 September, using the session to prepare for the upcoming race weekend that will take place at the same venue from 25 to 27 September.

Fresh from the Magny-Cours round just days earlier, riders Axel Bassani and Alex Lowes joined several WorldSBK rivals for the official test, while BbKRT test rider Xavi Fores completed his own programme a day earlier on 9 September. Fores focused on evaluating new components and settings for the bimota KB998 Rimini as part of the team’s preparations for the 2027 season.

Valuable Preparation Before Cremona Race Weekend

With only three rounds remaining in the 2026 WorldSBK season, every opportunity to fine-tune the bike has become increasingly important for BbKRT.

The bimota KB998 Rimini has already proven its potential this year by taking both Bassani and Lowes to the podium. However, the championship has become even more competitive following a recent reduction in the maximum fuel flow rate permitted for bimota under WorldSBK regulations, making race preparation and setup work more crucial than ever.

The test allowed the team to focus on refining the motorcycle’s performance while gathering valuable data specifically for the Cremona circuit.

Wet Weather Limits Track Time

Unfortunately, the weather once again played a major role in limiting the day’s programme. After productive dry running during the morning session, rain arrived around midday and continued into the afternoon, forcing many teams to halt their testing activities.

Rather than risk unnecessary crashes on a partially wet circuit just two weeks before race weekend, both Bassani and Lowes elected to remain in the garage for the remainder of the day. Before the rain arrived, Bassani completed 39 laps, while Lowes managed 38 laps around the 3.768km Italian circuit.

Strong Pace From Both BbKRT Riders

Despite the shortened session, both riders delivered encouraging lap times.

Bassani posted a fastest lap of 1:29.262, making him the quickest non-Ducati rider in the combined timesheets. Lowes was not far behind with a best lap of 1:29.401, ranking as the second-fastest non-Ducati rider during the test.

The results provided further confidence that the KB998 Rimini can be competitive when the championship returns to Cremona later this month.

A Challenging Circuit Awaits

Cremona remains one of the newer additions to the WorldSBK calendar and offers a unique challenge compared to many traditional European circuits.

The stadium-style venue measures 3.768km and features 13 corners, most of which are tight and technical. While the layout is generally twisty, it also includes a long back straight that creates additional overtaking opportunities and demands a balanced motorcycle setup.

The circuit will host the second Italian round of the 2026 WorldSBK Championship before the season concludes with consecutive events at Estoril and Jerez in October.

Team Pleased With Positive Progress

Although rain prevented the team from completing its full programme, both riders were satisfied with the progress made during the available dry conditions.

Alex Lowes said the team quickly found a promising direction for the opening practice session of the race weekend and thanked the crew for their efforts in travelling directly from Magny-Cours to Cremona.

Bassani echoed his teammate’s views, saying the dry laps allowed the team to evaluate different setup options before the weather deteriorated. He believes the test has given the team a solid foundation heading into the race weekend.

Crew chiefs Pere Riba and Uri Pallares also agreed that stopping the test early was the right decision, as the wet track and standing water in several corners presented unnecessary risks so close to the race. Both crew chiefs were encouraged by the information gathered during the morning session and believe the team now has a strong starting point for the Cremona round.

With useful data collected and confidence building, BbKRT now shifts its attention to the tenth round of the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, where the team will aim to convert its promising test pace into another podium challenge.