Australian WorldSBK: Phillip Island Saturday round-up

It was an action packed day over at Phillip Island for the Australian WorldSBK opening round.

We start with the obvious missing puzzle piece of Jonathan Rea who was ruled out of round 1 after a crash in testing. Rea had multiple fractures in his left foot, meaning the former world champion was sidelined for the opener of the 2025 season. His team mate Locatelli flew the Yamaha flag and brought home P7 for the team to kick start the Australian WorldSBK R1.

The man of the moment – Nicolo Bulega flies the Italian flag post-race to the P1 stand.

BULEGA STEALS THE SHOW WITH 4.8 SECOND LEAD IN RACE 1

Firstly, a resounding success for the 2023 WorldSSP champion of Nicolo Bulega. His recent success in the WorldSSP category showcased his true grit and determination. It’s Bulega’s second year with Aruba.It Racing – Ducati. Alongside Alvaro Bautista, it was going to be no easy challenge but he’s certainly come in swinging.

It was a clean sweep from the off for Bulega. With at one stage of the race having a 6-second lead from the current world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu. Bulega battled with himself for the most part! Taking the mandatory pit stop without worry that he wouldn’t make his way back to the front of the pack. The gap he’d created made ease of the pit stop.

Scott Redding fights for podium spot in R1 of the Australian WorldSBK

SCOTT REDDING IS BACK WITH A BITE FOR ROUND 1

He’s a fan favourite and played an emotional part in the Australian WorldSBK round 1. He’s been vey vocal in the off-season that he’s paying to ride for 2025 with the MGM Bonovo Racing team. Additionally, he openly discussed his recent years racing and how he felt like he’d lost his way following his MotoGP exit.

He was since been crowned BSB champion in 2019, before his move over to the WorldSBK paddock.

“I have to prove that next year I won’t pay to race again.” – Scott Redding

Great to see the new-Dad up at the biting end battling in the first race of the season. From his Moto3 and Moto2 days Scott has always shown such a strength on-track, determined in every move. It’s like something has truly awoken in the Brit. He was just pipped at the end of the race behind Danilo Petrucci of Barni Spark Racing Team.

An emotional Toprak as he embraced his team after the race.

STOPRAK FIGHTS THROUGH THE PAIN OF INJURY FOR 2ND PLACE

Unfortunately, Toprak Razgatlioglu is still dealing with an off-season injury. The index finger injury is what ruled him out of the Jerez test. His aim was to be back on form by the Australian WorldSBK round 1, which we think he predicted right! The battle for the 2nd spot was between Toprak and Bautista, to narrowly prevent a Ducati 1-2. It was an emotional podium for Toprak who embraced his team at the end of the race.

Vickers finished the day as top rookie in P13

VICKERS TOP ROOKIE – PETRUX TOP INDEPENDENT

Norfolk boy Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) took to his WorldSBK debut today in style as he finished P13 at the island. Vickers had come from BSB, being onboard the OMG GRILLA Yamaha team alongside Kyle Ryde. It was nearly a love story return for Scott Redding aiming for the top box until Danilo Petrucci swooped in at turn 1 on lap 18 and overtook him. Thus narrowly claiming top independent rider of the day from the MGM Bonovo Racing rider.

The home-turf curse was true today for Remy Gardner, who started the race by running wide and was forced to retire later on with a mechanical issue.

Alex Lowes in his new Bimota by KRT colours

Finally, it was a P8 for Alex Lowes and P9 for Axel Bassani. The KB998 Rimini has proven a strong starting result. Alex Lowes was assessed a 0.6s penalty for an early departure from the pit lane. Without this, he would have been only 0.096s behind Locatelli. Lastly, Alex expressed that despite the heat, he felt really comfortable on the bike.

More to come on Sunday, from Phillip Island – SuperBike Magazine bringing the round-ups from Australian WorldSBK.