The big headlines away from those confirmed, who is still standing as the music begins to fade out?
The 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is into its twilight period, as the sun begins to set on what has been a fantastic season. One round remains but in contrary to last year, there’s some major names on the market at the moment. In 2022, all factory seats were signed with four rounds to go, whereas in 2023, there are two seats up for grabs for next year in both Team HRC Hondas. For a full look at the main silly season story – including confirmations, rumours, latest news and more, click here!
MICHAEL RUBEN RINALDI (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): on the move in 2024
He was the last to sign in 2022 for this year but now, he’s out of the door at the Ducati, replaced by Champion-elect in World Supersport, Nicolo Bulega. We looked at whether or not Marc Marquez’s looming decision in MotoGP™ would impact on Rinaldi’s future and you can find out how here. For the Italian, he’s been calm since the news that he is surplus to requirements at the factory Ducati team for 2024, although on Sunday evening at Aragon, he confirmed that he had news on his future when asked, by saying “Yes, f*****g yes!”. However, this changed at Portimao, to him stating “Maybe these will be the last races of my career,” suggesting perhaps all is not as sorted as we thought. It remains to be seen what that news could be. Honda’s team manager Leon Camier previously stated that the plan was to stay the same, although a back-up plan had been drawn up anyway.
LORIS BAZ (Bonovo Action BMW): no room at the BMW Inn
Not for the first time, Loris Baz is looking for work in WorldSBK; BMW’s shock signing of Toprak Razgatlioglu meant that the four currently-contracted riders were now jockeying for position. Ahead of Aragon, it was confirmed that Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) would be Razgatlioglu’s teammate in the factory team, whilst current teammate Scott Redding would move to the Bonovo Action BMW team alongside Garrett Gerloff. Baz confirmed that he “expected” the news but that won’t be any comfort. With Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) moving to KRT, maybe Baz could find refuge at Motocorsa Racing, whilst Christophe Guyot, team principal of the GMT94 Yamaha outfit, publicly stated he’s keen to have a French rider in WorldSBK for the French team, although Baz was coy when asked.
PHILIPP OETTL (Team GoEleven): “I don’t have a job for next year”
In his second season with Team GoEleven, Philipp Oettl has enjoyed his best results in WorldSBK, with a top five at the beginning of the year at Phillip Island whilst he’s had six top ten finishes in his last six races ahead of Portimao. However, it seems that his time with the Italian team will come to an end and he’s on the lookout for a ride in 2024. With confirmation that ‘The Maniac’ Andrea Iannone will make his World Championship return with a rookie season in WorldSBK for 2024, 24-year-old German Oettl could still be standing as the music begins to play out.
LORENZO BALDASSARRI (GMT94 Yamaha): a rookie who has struggled in 2023
Reigning World Supersport runner-up from 2022 Lorenzo Baldassarri was touted as being one to watch in 2023, with his big frame and long limbs seemingly fitting the WorldSBK style of riding like a glove. However, as he’s graduated to the class and GMT94 Yamaha returned for the first time since 2008, it hasn’t been plain sailing. ‘Iron Balda’ is one of the riders in a precarious position right now, after Guyot’s comments during a pitlane interview in WorldSBK left him disappointed with the Italian’s performances, whilst also saying he’s considering “all riders” who contact him. Baldassarri’s options are limited after a first year in World Superbike hasn’t yet yielded a top ten but he’s keen to stay in the paddock and he’s in contact with “other brands” too.
BRADLEY RAY (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team): is no news good news?
It’s been a relatively quiet few months for Bradley Ray, with the reigning British Superbike champion not yet back in the points following a shoulder surgery before the August break. However, before that, he was in the top six at Imola on his first time at the track, showcasing his ability. He’s also been quiet in terms of 2024 but you can guarantee that his manager, Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne, will be looking to keep him on competitive machinery.
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