Argomenti trattati
The racing world turned its attention to the Algarve when Superbike Advocates presented their new look and confirmed entry into the 2026 Motul FIM superbike world Championship. The announcement came during a two-day test at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, ahead of the Pirelli Portuguese Round scheduled for 27–29 March. Team principal decisions mean the outfit will join from Round 2 of the championship and field the Ducati Panigale V4R with debut ambitions anchored to steady progress rather than instant podiums. Photographs of the new machine circulated from the paddock as the crew ran through initial setup work and data collection.
The livery itself leans heavily into a dark palette punctuated by red motifs: a predominantly black base with a red camo-style treatment across the side fairings frames the prominent Superbike Advocates logo. Tricolour accents in the style of the Italian flag appear on the tail and leading edge of the front fairing to nod to the bike’s heritage, while the two front winglets carry national insignia — the Australian flag on the right winglets and the UK flag on the left — acknowledging the team’s roots and the rider’s nationality. This visual language blends identity with aerodynamic parts, making the liveried Panigale distinct in the WorldSBK field.
Portimao testing: lap times and conditions
Track action at Portimao delivered mixed weather that limited running on Day 2, but the team still managed meaningful mileage and telemetry. On the opening morning Tommy Bridewell registered a mid-pack time, roughly two seconds shy of the quickest benchmark set by Alex Lowes, who alone had posted laps in the 1:40s prior to 13:00 local time. Despite tricky conditions the crew concentrated on setup and electronics, treating the session as a controlled introduction to the WorldSBK environment. By the close of the test Bridewell improved to a best of 1’42.665, placing him around P12 overall; these numbers reflect early development work rather than final race pace as the team continues to refine systems.
Technical work and development focus
Much of the Portimao programme revolved around electronic systems and calibration. The team described their machines as effectively brand-new bikes, so effort went into traction control mapping, engine braking settings and chassis balance to suit the Panigale V4R platform. Technical director Mick Shanley and experienced figures such as former TT winner Alan Jackson supported the process, bringing a mix of circuit knowledge and high-level championship experience. The engineering emphasis is deliberate: rather than chasing short-term results, the crew has prioritised repeatable performance windows and reliable data collection so the bike can evolve on measured, sustainable steps across the season.
Rider feedback and team sentiment
Tommy Bridewell reported a positive feeling from the saddle even with the interruptions of wet running, and highlighted how the team has accelerated through early learnings. He emphasised the need to keep expectations balanced — enjoyment and steady growth are the immediate targets — while acknowledging the potential in the package. The feedback loop between rider impressions and engineering adjustments is central: lap time improvements at this stage are a byproduct of system understanding rather than the primary objective. That pragmatic approach speaks to a project framing itself as a long-term contender rather than a one-off wildcard.
Operational context and calendar decisions
Superbike Advocates are a late addition to the WorldSBK grid, switching from prior commitments in the Australian Superbike Championship and originally planning to contest the 2026 BSB season. A calendar pivot saw the team opt to enter WorldSBK from the second round, which meant missing what would have been a home appearance at Phillip Island. The choice reflects an ambition to compete on the global stage with the Ducati Panigale V4R and a strategy to build momentum across international rounds. The team has signalled a measured rollout: establishing infrastructure first, then targeting consistent gains race by race.
What to watch at the Portuguese Round
When the paddock returns to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for the Pirelli Portuguese Round on 27–29 March, all eyes will be on whether the early promise translates into race weekend resilience. Viewers can follow the team’s progress and Bridewell’s adaptation through the WorldSBK VideoPass, which will carry live and on-demand coverage. The key indicators will be consistent lap times across qualifying and races, the effectiveness of electronic calibrations under race load, and how quickly the crew narrows any gap to established frontrunners. Ultimately, success for this season is defined as a steady, upward trajectory rather than immediate trophies.