The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rolls into Czechia for Round 5 of the 2025 season, with the Autodrom Most ready to host another chapter in this year’s intense title battle. With fuel flow regulation changes taking effect and the stakes rising, riders shared their thoughts on Thursday ahead of the Motul Czech Round.

From championship ambitions and track challenges to contract updates and comeback hopes, here are the major talking points from Thursday’s rider interviews.

Bulega Focused on Championship and Ducati Future

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) arrives at Most off the back of a dream weekend in Cremona, but he’s under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

“I’m happy to race after Cremona. We had great results and it was a fantastic weekend for me, but here it will be more difficult because Toprak is always very strong,” Bulega said. “This year is a different story compared to last year. Cremona was my worst track, and I won three races, so it’s difficult to predict what will happen here.”

The fuel flow changes pose a unique challenge to his smooth riding style.

“It makes the bike a bit more nervous, especially during gear changes at an angle—it’s harder to control. It’s not easy to adapt.”

Bulega also spoke about his future plans:

“My goal is to stay with Ducati. They gave me the opportunity to become a top WorldSBK rider. I’m only 25 and thinking about the future. We’re talking, but I want to stay focused on the championship. My goal is to win it this year—and next.”

Toprak Targets Clean Sweep at His Most Fortress

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) returns to Most, a track where he has historically dominated, and his confidence is high.

“I love this circuit. We’re strong here. This year is different from last, so Friday’s setup will be important—especially because we’ll be on the SC1 rear tyre,” he explained. “Last year was incredible; this year, I want three wins. That’s my goal.”

As for the updated regulations, the Turkish star is unfazed:

“I don’t care about fuel flow—I’m focused on my job. My bike is faster than the Yamaha and maybe the Bimota, but not the Ducati. Still, rules are rules.”

Regarding his future, things remain in motion:

“My future is quiet for now. Kenan is still talking to some brands. Maybe in a week or two we’ll know more. But right now, this weekend is important. I need to win again.”

Bautista Commits to Racing in 2026

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) confirmed his desire to continue racing into 2026, with discussions ongoing to finalize the deal.

“We’re in a good place after Cremona. I’ve built up good confidence with the bike. This year, the bike is more consistent across tracks, which helps,” he said.

Bautista acknowledged the unique demands of Most:

“It’s a tricky circuit, with lots of direction changes. Last year, the results weren’t great, but the feeling was better than in previous rounds. I think this year we can do even better.”

Fuel limitations present a minor hurdle:

“The bike doesn’t perform quite the same when fuel consumption needs to be reduced, but we’re trying to minimize the effect.”

Looking ahead, he confirmed his intent to race on:

“The agreement with Ducati is already signed for 2025 and 2026. I’ve told them I want to keep racing, now I’m waiting for their confirmation.”

Lowes Seeks Redemption After Most Crash

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) is returning to a track that holds mixed memories—Most was the scene of a crash that disrupted his 2024 season.

“Cremona’s Sunday was a positive surprise for me. I wasn’t feeling great but still performed well. I’m looking forward to Most, but it’s also where I injured my shoulder last year, so there’s some unfinished business.”

Redemption is a powerful motivator:

“The main goal is to continue how we’ve started this season—consistently in the top four or five. The weather might play a part, but I feel like I have something to prove here.”

Lowes is pleased with his current form:

“I already have 21 more points than last year, so it’s definitely better! I feel much more comfortable on the bike. I’d rate my season so far as an 8/10—maybe even an 8.5 some weekends.”

As for next season:

“I’ve been with Marc VDS a long time. My first target is to stay there. From last year to now, we’ve made a big step forward. I plan to stay on a Ducati, but we’ll know more in the coming weeks.”

Rea Building Momentum After Injury Return

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) made his comeback at Cremona after injury sidelined him for several rounds. He’s hoping Most will mark a turning point.

“Cremona was physically tough, but better than being at home on the sofa. The results weren’t amazing, but it was a step in the right direction.”

Rea is cautious about expectations but optimistic:

“Most is a track I know well. It’s not a long road back, but I need time to get up to speed and regain that strong connection with the bike. A consistent, mistake-free weekend would be a great result.”

His foot injury still lingers:

“With plates still in my foot and two metatarsals fused together, it alters how I put force through it. We’ll see during the summer break if there’s time to get the plates removed, otherwise it’ll have to wait until the end of the season.”

Lecuona Keeps Focus on the Present

Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) remains committed to proving his potential, choosing not to get caught up in contract speculation.

“I’m focused on doing my job here. I know I can fight at the front. My manager isn’t telling me anything about my future until summer, and that’s fine with me.”

Lecuona is determined to keep working:

“Even with my injury setbacks, I’ve shown that I can get results. I know I’m not at my limit yet. Right now, the focus is Most. After this, it’s the test, then Donington.”

Petrucci Eyes Podium, Plays Down Factory Hopes

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) believes Most is a golden opportunity to return to the podium—and he’s feeling confident.

“Cremona didn’t go as planned—we had some bad luck and Saturday was tough. But we bounced back with a fourth place in Race 2. Now we come to Most, which suits us more. The harder tyre compounds should help.”

Petrucci isn’t thinking about a factory ride, even if the dream is alive:

“A factory bike would be amazing, but I can’t complain. My current bike is faster than many factory bikes, and I’ve found a great setup with Barni. There’s a good chance we’ll continue together next year.”

Locatelli Targets Top Five, Keeps Eyes on Podium

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) aims to return to form at Most following a challenging round in Cremona.

“Cremona was tough, but I think we’ve identified the main issue. Until we’re on track, we can’t be certain, but we have a better understanding now.”

He’s hoping to capitalize on a circuit where he’s had success in the past:

“It’s a track that suits us. We’ve been on the podium here before, so why not again? The top five is the minimum goal. Like in Assen and Portimao, if we work well, a podium is possible.”

Looking Ahead

With new regulations in place and several riders at pivotal points in their seasons or careers, the Autodrom Most promises to deliver crucial drama and fierce battles across the field. Whether it’s a rising rookie like Bulega, an established star like Toprak, or a returning legend like Rea—everyone has something to prove.

This weekend could be a turning point in the 2025 WorldSBK season.

Riders of the fastest production motorcycles on the planet will compete for unique crystal trophies created in the heart of Czech glassmaking – in the Preciosa workshop in Jablonec nad Nisou.

The new trophies for the winners of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship Czech Round combine the top Czech craft tradition with the technical world of motorsport. Their shape, inspired by the piston – the basic building block of the engine – is no accident. It’s a reference to the precision, strength and endurance that are common to both circuit machines and glassmaking. 

Official WorldSBK Press Release