WSBK 2024: Rea replaces Toprak?!

Bassani is consistently the top independent rider except for the last few rounds where he has been off his game. Gerloft has stepped up so that’s not helping him much either. But if I were running a team and looking for a younger future career rider to nurture, it would be Bassani out of anyone else.

 

For the most part, I agree.

The *only* thing that gives me pause is (to my knowledge) Bassani has never won a race. Not in WSBK, nor in a feeder class. To me it implies he's got the talent but not the racecraft. Maybe on the factory team he'll get some coaching on racecraft and better help with tire life? Although if his first win comes on a Kawi that would be unbelievably impressive.

 

https://x.com/WorldSBK/status/1712122394486198433?s=20

 

Bautista can eat pie now.

 

I’m glad they are finally going to combined weights.

 

Redding is so happy

 

Bautista needs to hire a trainer and try to pack on a bunch of muscle. The weight of a rider is a dynamic factor in bike handling. Ballast is not.

 

So, Honda clears Marquez to test the Ducati at Valencia at the end of the season, Kawasaki clears Rea to test the Yamaha at Jerez this week, and Yamaha predictably requires Razgatlioglu to fulfill his contract and not go anywhere near the other way before November. Such good people...

 

Yeah, that's bullshit.

 

The craziest thing about this to me, is I've always thought of Yamaha as one of the more standup companies. Look how they often have events and bring out all the former Yamaha riders. They took Rossi back and kept him on the payroll even when his performance lacked. They supported MA when it was on life support. They continued selling race only R6's when they were no longer street legal in Europe.

 

Come on, that wasn't out of the business of their hearts. They are in the business of selling bikes.

 

C'mon I thought it was so we could keep hearing Uccio's wax on poetically !!!

 

In contrast to hearing them whack off?

 

Sorry, I'll close the door and turn on the vent fan.

 

I really wish Kawi would have told Yamaha to pack sand and wait until December for Rea (assuming contract lasted until Dec).

But on the good side, Rea will be on the bike tomorrow.

 

Im a die-hard Yamaha fan and its a douche move on Toprak. Guy has been nothing but a positive ambassador for Yamaha. The entire paddock is starting to test with the new teams. They are acting like children.

 

I have so much dislike for him from Kawi. Its gonna be a while until I accept this.

 

So weird.

 

I personally can't wait to see the Arai replica they come out with for Rea!