SBK, Misano magic and a Ducati with three-pronged attack against Toprak and BMW

Where were we? The question is legitimate when we consider that the last race was almost two months ago at Assen. The fact remains that Superbike is ready to get back on track and will do so this weekend at the Misano track. The Riviera stage is one of the most eagerly awaited on the calendar with the passion of the public on the sidelines, looking to offer extra support to our riders.

There is therefore expectation at Ducati's home with Alvaro Bautista and Ducati called to confirm that dominance shown in the last two editions. Misano represents the Spaniard's stronghold, but this year the margin seems to have narrowed. Indeed, the tests have highlighted the potential of Toprak and BMW, intent as never before on breaking the bank. Then again, the Turk knows this: winning at Misano would carry no small weight against the Bautista-Ducati pairing.

Obviously in the head-to-head between the two will want to insert Nicolò Bulega, back from a surprising start to the Championship, so much so as to be even third in the World Championship. The rider from Montecchio Emilia aims to play a leading role, and of the same opinion is Andrea Iannone, who returns to racing in Misano after a four-year absence.

The tests two weeks ago did not correspond more to expectations, but the Go Eleven rider we know well and we are convinced that he will be in close contact with the top positions. Remaining on the Ducati theme, it is necessary to send a signal from Michael Rinaldi, in what is his home stage while Danilo Petrucci will have to grit his teeth on his return to racing after the bad crash with the motocross. Present for the occasion as a wildcard is Michele Pirro, back with the Panigale in the World Championship four years after the last time.

Among the points of interest for the weekend on the Riviera is then the Rea-Yamaha chapter. A troubled start to the World Championship for the Cannibal, already out of the wordl championshitp challenge despite good winter intentions. As if that were not enough, the Northern Irishman has to deal with the thorns in his side represented by Gardner and Locatelli. Having mentioned Andrea, the Bergamasque will want to hold high the tricolor, and the same goes for Axel Bassani, busy with a Kawasaki yet to be custom sewn on him. Finally, let's hope that the magic of the Riviera can bring some timid rays of sunshine to the Honda house.

In short, we have enough meat on the fire. We will know more starting Friday morning.

Automatic Translation by DeepL