2025 WorldSBK Season Preview: All Eyes on Alex Lowes and Bimota's Return

The 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is poised to deliver one of the most thrilling seasons to date. With six manufacturers and 23 riders vying for supremacy, the competition is set to be fierce. Among the standout narratives is the return of the iconic Italian marque, Bimota, to the WorldSBK arena, spearheaded by the RST factory rider, Alex Lowes.

Bimota's Resurgence in WorldSBK

After a prolonged absence, Bimota makes a grand re-entry into the championship, collaborating closely with Kawasaki. This partnership has culminated in the development of the KB998 Rimini, a machine that combines Bimota's renowned chassis engineering with Kawasaki's formidable engine technology. The bike's nomenclature pays homage to this synergy: 'KB' representing Kawasaki and Bimota, '998' denoting the engine capacity, and 'Rimini' highlighting Bimota's Italian roots. Early testing phases have showcased the KB998's potential, with both Lowes and his teammate, Axel Bassani, expressing optimism about its performance capabilities.

Alex Lowes: A Seasoned Contender

Having now been in WorldSBK for over a decade, Lowes brings a wealth of experience and determination to the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. Reflecting on his 2024 campaign, where he secured two race victories and ten podium finishes, Lowes acknowledges the need for personal growth to ascend the championship ladder. He remarked, "Last season was a good one, but I know that I need to improve a lot if I want to make a step forward." This introspection underscores his commitment to refining his craft and capitalising on the opportunities presented by the new Bimota machinery.

Pre-Season Testing Insights

The pre-season testing phase has been instrumental in gauging the KB998's competitiveness. At the Portimão circuit, despite challenging weather conditions, Lowes showcased impressive pace, topping the timesheets with a lap time of 1:42.096. He expressed satisfaction with the bike's development, stating, "I spent quite a few years on the Kawasaki, and I feel that we’re starting immediately from at least the same level we finished on the Kawasaki, which is impressive." This seamless transition highlights the effective integration of Kawasaki's engineering prowess with Bimota's design philosophy.

The Road Ahead: Season Kick-Off at Phillip Island

The 2025 season is set to commence at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia. Known for its high-speed corners and picturesque coastal backdrop, Phillip Island has historically been a favorite among riders and fans alike. Lowes, who has previously tasted victory at this circuit (including 2 victories in 2024), is eager to leverage his experience and the KB998's capabilities to secure a strong start to the season. He noted, "I think it’s one of the highest average speed tracks that we ride at, so it’s a cool, old-school place to come and ride."

Championship Contenders: The Competition Intensifies

While the spotlight shines on Lowes and Bimota, the 2025 grid boasts a formidable lineup of talent and machinery:

• Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): The reigning champion aims to defend his title aboard the BMW M 1000 RR. Despite a testing crash at Phillip Island, Razgatlioglu is expected to on the grid in Australia, and is undoubtably one of the favourites to win the title in 2025.

• Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati): After a strong 2024 season, Bulega has demonstrated impressive pace in pre-season tests, positioning himself as a key contender for the championship.

• Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati): The experienced Spaniard continues his partnership with Ducati, aiming to leverage his vast experience to challenge for race wins and the championship.

• Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha Team): The 6-time world champion will look to build on a solid end to the 2024 season as he tries to get back to the top of the grid. A crash this week in testing at Philip Island means that the northern irishman will miss the 1st round of the season in Australia due to multiple fractures in his left foot.

Conclusion: A Season Poised for Thrills

The 2025 WorldSBK season promises a blend of high-octane racing, strategic team dynamics, and the resurgence of iconic brands. With Alex Lowes leading Bimota's charge, fans can anticipate a compelling narrative of determination, innovation, and fierce competition. As the lights go out at Phillip Island, the journey to crown the 2025 champion begins, and the world will be watching with bated breath.

For a comprehensive visual preview of the 2025 season, including team insights and rider interviews, check out the official WorldSBK season preview video below:

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