2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship: Magny-Cours Pre-Race Talk
The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, and even before the first lap, the buzz is building. Riders are discussing contract renewals, injury comebacks, and much more.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I’m a better, more complete rider”
Reflecting on his contract renewal with Ducati, Bautista shared his thoughts on retirement and his continued journey in WorldSBK:
“It’s a pleasure to keep racing next year with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. Especially after Most, I started to feel good on the bike again, and we found something to make us competitive, similar to last year. I’m not just here to fill a spot; I’m here to be competitive. If I don’t have that feeling, I’ll retire. I thought about retirement due to my injury, but as I recovered, I realized I could still improve as a rider. I don’t have clear targets, but I want to push the bike to the limit, and the results will follow.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I’ve had good fights with Bautista”
Discussing the upcoming race at Magny-Cours and Bautista’s renewal, Razgatlioglu said:
“Magny-Cours is my favorite track, and I’ll never forget 2019, starting 16th and winning the race. I’ll give it my all with BMW again. This weekend might be tough with the weather, but if it rains, I need to win as I’ve never done so in wet conditions. I’m also happy for Bautista’s renewal; we’ve had some great battles, especially last year, and I look forward to more.”
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “Another win would be a dream”
Bulega, eager for another victory in his first season, reflected on his past success at Magny-Cours:
“I won both races here in WorldSSP last year, but this is a new category. I came close to winning at Portimao, but I’d love to secure another win before the season ends. My team works hard, and winning again would be a dream.”
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “It’s going to be a tough weekend”
On his expectations for the weekend, Lowes said:
“I’m feeling good after Portimao, and I enjoy Magny-Cours. It’s a strong track for Kawasaki, but with WorldSBK being so close, we’ll need to be on point from the start. The weather here is always unpredictable, so staying on top of that will be key. It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team): “I’m happy to be back”
After recovering from injury, Sam Lowes shared his thoughts on returning to racing:
“It’s never easy watching from home, but I feel good now. I rode at Misano last week, and it went well. I have fond memories of Magny-Cours, where I clinched my WorldSSP title. My goal is to improve my riding style and get closer to the front in the upcoming rounds.”
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “I’d like to have Alvaro’s strength at almost 40!”
Aiming for a podium, Petrucci said:
“I’m excited to see if we can keep up our good form from Portimao. Magny-Cours wasn’t the best for us last year, but I’m expecting to be competitive this weekend. There are at least 10 riders fighting for the podium, but I’m confident. I admire Alvaro’s strength and hope to have his fitness when I’m his age!”
Official WorldSBK Press Release
