Excitement builds for the Acerbis Italian Round at Cremona

Rider insights ahead of the Acerbis Italian Round

The anticipation for the Acerbis Italian Round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is palpable as riders gather at the Cremona Circuit. With a mix of hopeful returns and the weight of past disappointments, expectations are high. Each rider has unique challenges and strategies, making this round especially intriguing. Let’s delve into what some of the top competitors have to say about their preparations and predictions for the race.

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s cautious optimism

Toprak Razgatlioglu of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team expresses a blend of excitement and uncertainty as he approaches his first race at Cremona. After missing last year’s event, he is eager to make his mark. “I’m really happy to arrive at Cremona after I missed competing here last year,” he shares. Razgatlioglu emphasizes the unpredictability of the bike’s performance, stating, “I don’t know what to expect… after 10 laps, the bike behaves completely differently!” Despite his challenges, he remains hopeful about his chances, especially if BMW can optimize their setup for this circuit.

Nicolò Bulega’s determination to overcome challenges

Nicolò Bulega, representing Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, reflects on his recent struggles at Assen but maintains a positive outlook. “I think Ducati understands the issue and we’ll see if it works here,” he mentions, underscoring his confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. Bulega acknowledges the difficulties he faced, particularly with mechanical issues that hindered his performance. Yet, he remains focused on the positives, noting his impressive speed in previous races. With a strong desire to build on his recent successes, he aims to capitalize on his momentum in Cremona.

Danilo Petrucci’s pressure to replicate past success

Last year’s standout performer, Danilo Petrucci of Barni Spark Racing Team, faces the daunting task of living up to his previous achievements. “From 0-100 of how difficult it would be to repeat, I would say a 99,” Petrucci candidly admits. Celebrating his hat trick from last year, he recognizes the heightened expectations that come with such a performance. Yet, he strives to treat this race like any other, aiming for a podium finish while managing the pressure of past success. Petrucci emphasizes the importance of consistency and resilience in a competitive field.

Jonathan Rea’s triumphant return

After a challenging recovery, Jonathan Rea of Pata Maxus Yamaha is back and eager to prove himself. “It’s good to finally be back. It’s been a long journey but in reality, I’ve only missed a few races,” he states, reflecting on his rehabilitation process. Rea’s confidence is bolstered by Yamaha’s competitive performance this season, and he looks forward to reigniting his racing spirit at Cremona. With a solid training regimen and a focus on enjoying the ride, Rea aims to make his comeback memorable.

Alvaro Bautista’s quest for improvement

Alvaro Bautista, also from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, acknowledges the mixed results of his season so far. “It’s been an extreme start to the season, sometimes on the podium, but also three races without points,” he explains. Despite the ups and downs, Bautista feels optimistic about his connection with the bike and is determined to capitalize on his experience at Cremona. He emphasizes the need to learn from past mistakes and to keep pushing for better results, as the team prepares for a unique track that many are still getting acquainted with.

Andrea Locatelli’s home advantage

Andrea Locatelli of Pata Maxus Yamaha expresses excitement about racing close to home in Cremona. “I’m quite happy to be back at home for this round,” he says, highlighting the support he expects from local fans. After tasting victory, Locatelli aims to continue his success by scoring as many podiums as possible. He recognizes the importance of having a strong teammate like Rea, which fosters a competitive yet supportive environment within the team. This collaboration is essential as they both strive for excellence in the championship.

Yari Montella’s drive for improvement

Yari Montella, racing for Barni Spark Racing Team, has set his sights on breaking his Saturday struggles. Reflecting on his past experiences at Cremona, he recalls early training days that fueled his passion. “We need to finish on Saturday; it’s been the wrong day for us!” he asserts, determined to turn his fortunes around. Montella aims to leverage his familiarity with the track to secure better results and prove his potential in the competitive landscape of WorldSBK.

Axel Bassani’s approach to new challenges

As he prepares for his first home round of the season, Axel Bassani of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team is determined to build on his previous performance at Assen. “If we continue to work like we did at Assen, we can do a good job,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum. Despite facing challenges with speed on the straights, he remains optimistic about the bike’s performance in corners. Bassani’s focus on teamwork and strategic racing will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of the Cremona Circuit.