The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship returns to the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” this weekend, and Thursday’s media day set the stage for what’s shaping up to be an emotionally charged and unpredictable round. From big-name riders confirming their next steps to ongoing contract negotiations and the 2024 title race heating up, there was no shortage of storylines to unpack ahead of the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round. Here are the standout comments and developments as the paddock settled in for the weekend.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
“I want to give something back to BMW before moving to MotoGP”
Toprak Razgatlioglu opened up about his upcoming switch to MotoGP in 2026 and what remains of his 2024 mission with BMW. “It’s a mix of emotions,” he said. “Part of me is really happy, but another part feels sad. This paddock, this championship—it’s like family. I know everyone, I feel comfortable here, and I’ll really miss that. But MotoGP has always been a dream, especially if I can go there as a three-time WorldSBK Champion.”
With just 31 points separating him from points leader Nicolo Bulega, Toprak still has everything to play for. “This is my last year with BMW, and I want to leave something behind—maybe even a title,” he continued. “This year, things are very different. We’re competing at the front, and sometimes we’re even in contention to win. We had a strong test here, though riding in the heat is still a bit tricky for me.”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“Ducati backed out of the contract—now I’m free for 2025”
Alvaro Bautista didn’t hold back when asked about his future. Although he had a contract in place with Ducati through 2026, the Spanish rider revealed the deal has fallen apart. “It’s a special weekend for us, racing in Italy with Ducati and all the fans,” Bautista said. “But the situation has changed. I had signed a deal with an opt-out clause for both sides. I made it clear I wanted to continue, I felt strong, and despite the new regulations, we were making progress. But Ducati chose not to continue under the agreed terms.”
Pressed further, Bautista kept it brief: “That’s all I can say. If you want to know why, you’ll have to ask Ducati. For now, I’m a free agent next year.”
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“This is my home and I’m staying with Ducati in WorldSBK”
While his teammate’s future is uncertain, Bulega had a much clearer path. The current championship leader expressed his happiness at extending his time with Ducati in WorldSBK. “This was always the plan,” Bulega explained. “From my very first conversation with my manager, the goal was to continue with this team in this championship. I’ve been part of Ducati’s setup since 2022, and I’m proud to keep building on that.”
He also touched on his MotoGP ambitions, especially following his recent test aboard the Desmosedici. “As a rider, you always want to grow, to challenge yourself. I asked Ducati if I could be part of the testing program, and I’m excited that they said yes. We don’t have a test date set yet, but I’ll be ready.”
And as for the weekend ahead? “Winning here at Misano would be extra special,” Bulega said. “I live close by, I’ve got friends and family coming—it’s a true home race.”
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team)
“I don’t know if teams want experience or youth—but I’m giving everything”
Danilo Petrucci reflected on both the emotional weight of returning to Misano and the uncertainty around his future. “It’s always emotional racing here,” he said. “Last year was one of the most memorable weekends of my life. I remember being so exhausted after Race 2, resting in my camper, and then hearing hundreds of fans outside calling my name. I opened the door and just cried. That connection with people, that feeling—it’s something else.”
On the topic of the 2025 rider market, Petrucci was pragmatic: “Right now, I’m focused on my job. I don’t know if I’m what teams are looking for—maybe they want someone younger. But I’m working as hard as I ever have. I’ll keep talking with teams, but I also feel really good where I am.”
Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven)
“I’m managing the pain and aiming for a strong result at home”
Returning from injury, Andrea Iannone gave an update on his condition after testing and rehab. “I’m not at 100%, but I’m at about 80% with my foot,” he said. “The test helped me figure out where I’m at, and while the second day was painful, I’ve recovered a bit more since then. This is a home race for me, so it’s really important to finish the weekend with a smile.”
Asked about his market situation, Iannone stayed focused. “I haven’t spent much time thinking about contracts yet. Right now, it’s all about this weekend. If a good offer comes, I’ll consider it, but my mind is on racing.”
Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC)
“I wasn’t supposed to be racing—but here I am, ready to try”
In a surprising turn, Xavi Vierge confirmed he’s making a much earlier return than doctors originally projected. “Initially, I was told I’d be out for eight weeks, so just being here is a big win,” he said. “The bone I broke—the cuboid—needs to stay stable, so the key was to rest early and follow the plan. After 13 days of not putting any weight on the foot, I started working with physios. We’re not sure how strong I’ll be, but just being here and having a chance to ride is really positive.”
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team)
“I needed a reset, and Superbike is where I belong”
Rinaldi is back in WorldSBK after a stint in World Supersport, and his return couldn’t have come at a better place—Misano, his home track. “I’m thrilled to be back in Superbike,” he said. “It’s the right place for me. The Yamaha R1 feels like a better fit for my style than the Ducati I rode before, even though I only had a few short sessions on it at Vallelunga.”
Reflecting on the switch back, Rinaldi explained: “I wasn’t happy in WorldSSP. I didn’t feel like myself on the bike. I wanted to make a change not just for me but for the team, because they deserve to be competing at the top. I know I can deliver that on a Superbike.”
As the sun sets on media day at Misano, the pieces are in place for a dramatic weekend. From title aspirations to career crossroads, every rider has something at stake. With a passionate crowd expected and temperatures soaring, the Emilia-Romagna Round promises not only action on the track but fireworks off it as well.
