Riders Discuss Futures, Form and Fresh Expectations Ahead of Czech Round
Championship Contenders and Returning Stars Set the Scene Before Action Begins at Autodrom Most
The 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship moves to the Czech Republic this weekend as teams and riders prepare for another crucial round at the fast and demanding Autodrom Most.
Following an unpredictable and physically demanding weekend at Balaton Park, the paddock arrived at Most carrying plenty of unanswered questions. Several riders are chasing improved results after difficult recent rounds, while others are beginning to shape the championship battle as the season enters a critical phase.
Thursday’s media day produced no shortage of talking points, from rider market speculation and MotoGP ambitions to injury recoveries and podium expectations.
The Most circuit has quickly become one of the more popular stops on the modern WorldSBK calendar. Known for its combination of aggressive braking zones, flowing direction changes and limited margin for error, the Czech venue regularly delivers close racing and dramatic finishes.
With uncertain weather expected throughout the weekend, riders are also preparing for potentially mixed conditions that could heavily influence both qualifying and race strategy.
Nicolo Bulega Confident After Strong Start to 2026
Ducati Star Balancing Title Fight and MotoGP Rumours
Championship contender Nicolo Bulega arrives at Most carrying strong momentum after an impressive opening phase of the season aboard the Aruba.it Racing Ducati.
The Italian has firmly established himself as one of Ducati’s leading WorldSBK riders and continues to attract attention regarding a possible future switch to MotoGP.
Bulega admitted that while Most is not necessarily his favourite circuit on the calendar, he still arrives with positive memories from previous visits.
The former Supersport world champion also spoke openly about his recent MotoGP test at Mugello, describing the experience as an important reminder of his long-term ambitions.
Despite increasing speculation surrounding his future, Bulega appeared calm regarding ongoing discussions with Ducati management and his representatives.
The Italian stressed that MotoGP remains the ultimate dream for any young rider, but also made it clear he is happy and motivated within the WorldSBK paddock.
That confidence has been reflected in his performances throughout 2026, with Bulega consistently fighting near the front and continuing to improve his understanding of the Ducati Panigale V4 R package.
Most could prove another important opportunity for him to strengthen his championship position before the calendar reaches several circuits that traditionally favour Ducati machinery.
Danilo Petrucci Declared Fit After Painful Balaton Crashes
Italian Relieved to Return After Heavy Impacts
Danilo Petrucci heads into the Czech Round relieved to have been medically cleared following a bruising weekend at Balaton Park.
The ROKiT BMW Motorrad rider endured multiple crashes during the previous event, suffering heavy impacts to his ribs and back that initially placed his participation at Most in doubt.
Petrucci explained that he already felt physically stronger earlier in the week after undergoing extensive checks and recovery treatment at home.
The experienced Italian also highlighted Most as one of his preferred tracks on the current calendar due to its blend of heavy braking sections and flowing corners.
Last season, Petrucci enjoyed one of his strongest weekends at the circuit, regularly fighting inside the top three and securing front-row starts.
BMW continues searching for consistent race-winning pace against Ducati, but Petrucci believes improvements are gradually arriving within the project.
He also praised teammate Michael van der Mark for the experience and technical feedback he brings to the team, particularly important as BMW continues refining the M1000RR package.
With Petrucci now fit again, Most could provide an opportunity for the Italian to return to podium contention after a frustrating previous round.
Iker Lecuona Growing in Confidence on Ducati Machinery
Spaniard Targeting First Major Breakthrough
Iker Lecuona arrives at Most increasingly confident about his adaptation to Ducati power.
The Spaniard has steadily improved throughout recent rounds and believes he is beginning to close the gap to teammate Nicolo Bulega.
Lecuona has traditionally performed strongly at Most in previous seasons, and the nature of the circuit appears to suit his aggressive riding style.
One factor potentially working in his favour this weekend could be the weather forecast.
Mixed conditions are expected across parts of the weekend, and Lecuona admitted he generally feels comfortable whenever grip levels become unpredictable.
The former MotoGP rider believes changing conditions often create opportunities to gain an advantage over rivals who struggle to adapt quickly.
Away from the track, Lecuona also addressed growing speculation regarding his future. Discussions with Ducati management are expected soon, although the Spaniard made it clear that remaining with the Italian manufacturer remains his priority.
Given Ducati’s current competitiveness across WorldSBK, stability may prove valuable as several major rider contracts continue being discussed behind the scenes.
Sam Lowes Hoping Most Can Deliver First 2026 Podium
British Rider Encouraged by Ducati Progress
Sam Lowes heads into the Czech Round optimistic that his Marc VDS Ducati package can finally deliver a breakthrough podium result.
The British rider narrowly missed the rostrum at Most last season after two close battles with Petrucci, eventually finishing fourth twice on Sunday.
Although Balaton Park proved more difficult than expected, Lowes believes recent setup changes and improvements in riding style are helping him unlock stronger pace.
The colder weather forecast for Most may also favour the British rider, who joked that unpredictable conditions tend to suit English racers.
Lowes explained that Ducati’s factory riders have taken another noticeable step forward in recent rounds, making it increasingly difficult for independent teams to consistently challenge near the front.
However, he remains convinced that Most’s technical layout and uncertain weather conditions could reduce those gaps.
Importantly, Lowes also appears increasingly comfortable with the Ducati after initially requiring time to adapt to the bike’s characteristics earlier in the season.
His confidence under braking and through high-speed direction changes has improved significantly during recent rounds, potentially making Most one of his strongest opportunities so far this year.
Alex Lowes and Bimota Searching for Stronger Weekend
Experienced Brit Focused on Technical Sections
Alex Lowes believes Most’s flowing layout could play directly into the strengths of the bimota by Kawasaki project.
The experienced British rider highlighted the second and third sectors of the circuit as particularly well suited to the bike’s strong turning ability and agility through linked corners.
Lowes admitted the team was not fully satisfied with its performance at Balaton Park and wants a more competitive weekend in the Czech Republic.
Last year’s fourth-place finish at Most has given the team confidence that podium contention is realistic if qualifying improves.
Lowes also briefly addressed his future, suggesting discussions regarding 2027 could begin within the next few weeks.
The British rider insisted he still feels highly competitive physically and mentally, dismissing any immediate thoughts about retirement.
With major regulation changes expected in future WorldSBK seasons, experienced riders such as Lowes may become increasingly valuable to manufacturers looking for development stability.
Michael van der Mark Enjoying Full-Time Return
Dutch Rider Replaces Injured Miguel Oliveira
Michael van der Mark returns to the WorldSBK grid this weekend in place of injured Miguel Oliveira.
The Dutchman admitted he would have preferred different circumstances surrounding his comeback, particularly given Oliveira’s strong performances earlier in the season.
Still, van der Mark expressed enthusiasm about returning to regular competition after spending much of the year balancing endurance racing commitments.
The former WorldSBK race winner explained that although testing remains important for BMW’s development programme, race weekends naturally trigger a competitive mindset.
Once the visor goes down, van der Mark intends to fight for results rather than simply gather data.
He also acknowledged how difficult it has been watching WorldSBK races from the sidelines while wanting to remain actively involved on the grid.
With five busy weeks now ahead, the Dutch rider appears fully motivated to maximise this latest opportunity.
Axel Bassani Demands Better Superpole Results
Qualifying Struggles Limiting Race Potential
Axel Bassani believes poor qualifying performances have prevented him from fully demonstrating his pace during recent rounds.
The bimota by Kawasaki rider explained that recent Superpole sessions became too focused on chasing slipstreams from other riders rather than concentrating on his own setup and riding rhythm.
Bassani remains convinced the bike possesses enough raw speed to fight much higher up the order if grid positions improve.
At circuits like Most, where overtaking opportunities can become limited once tyre wear increases, starting near the front is especially important.
The Italian also confirmed that early conversations regarding next season have already started with Bimota management, although no decisions have yet been finalised.
As the rider market begins slowly taking shape, consistent results over the next few rounds could prove decisive for several riders negotiating future contracts.
Yari Montella Continuing Steady Progress
Rookie Targets Top Five Challenge
Yari Montella has quietly become one of the most improved riders on the WorldSBK grid in recent rounds.
The Barni Spark Racing rider arrives at Most encouraged by stronger consistency shown during the Balaton Park weekend, where he regularly challenged near the top five.
Montella described Most as a circuit where he already holds positive memories and believes the current Ducati package could allow him to fight even closer to the podium positions.
The Italian acknowledged colder temperatures may create tyre management challenges across long runs, especially with the abrasive surface at Most placing heavy stress on rear grip.
Still, Montella appears increasingly confident in both his pace and understanding of WorldSBK race management.
Like many riders this early in the season, discussions about 2027 remain secondary to immediate performance goals.
Garrett Gerloff and Kawasaki Continue Development Push
American Rider Searching for Consistency
Garrett Gerloff continues working closely with Kawasaki engineers to better define the ideal setup range for the ZX-10RR package.
The American rider admitted limited dry-weather testing earlier in the year forced the team into learning during race weekends rather than through structured development sessions.
Encouragingly for Gerloff, the team ended Balaton Park with a more positive feeling regarding bike balance and setup direction.
Because Most shares several characteristics with the Hungarian venue, the Kawasaki rider hopes that progress can immediately transfer into stronger race pace this weekend.
Gerloff also confirmed that new technical parts are expected to arrive around the Misano round, potentially giving Kawasaki an important mid-season boost.
Regarding his long-term future, the American made it clear he wants to remain in WorldSBK beyond 2026, whether with Kawasaki or another manufacturer.
After six seasons in the championship, Gerloff still believes he has unfinished business and stronger results still to achieve.
Most Weekend Could Shape Early Championship Momentum
Weather and Setup Likely to Play Major Role
As Friday practice approaches, the 2026 Czech Round already feels particularly important for several teams and riders.
Ducati continues holding the benchmark position across much of the field, but BMW, Kawasaki and Bimota are all searching for breakthroughs that could shift momentum during the middle phase of the season.
Mixed weather conditions may also produce unpredictable races, especially at a circuit where grip levels can change rapidly throughout the weekend.
Most has repeatedly delivered dramatic WorldSBK action since joining the calendar, and with championship positions tightening alongside increasing rider market speculation, the stage appears set for another important weekend in the 2026 season.
