The 2023 WorldSBK campaign will feature multiple world champions, a MotoGP race winner and a reigning British Superbike champion, but what should we expect from a very high-profile rookie line-up?
After ten full seasons in Moto3, John McPhee will take part in his first WorldSSP campaign with Kawasaki in 2023, ahead of trying to secure a move to WorldSBK.
Formerly a WorldSBK rider with the Red Bull Honda team, two-time MotoAmerica champion Jake Gagne will make his return at Portimao, which Wayne Rainey believes is a chance to ‘make a real statement’.
After initially being declared unfit for race two of the WorldSSP championship at Most, Dominique Aegerter was instead given a race ban due to ‘simulating a medical situation’ in an attempt to have Saturday’s race one red-flagged.
‘My goal is to remain with this team’ - Michael Ruben Rinaldi is expecting to have ‘news’ regarding his future in WorldSBK after the summer break as he looks to retain his Aruba.it Ducati seat.
Nicolo Bulega expects a 'tough' WorldSSP campaign with returning Ducati, while fellow rookie Lorenzo Baldassarri has clear goals in mind; 'I think I will go with the championship as the main focus'.
Despite Nicolo Bulega breaking the current Portimao WorldSSP lap record during a recent test, Ducati Team Manager, Serafino Foti, believes Yamaha remains the favourites.