BbKRT Post Fastest Track Time ...

The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team’s preparations for the 2026 season continued apace at the Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto, between 26-27 November, with the latest technical developments to the bimota KB998 Rimini WorldSBK spec machine providing many positive outcomes.

With both bimota KB998 riders, Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani, aiming to improve on their debut bimota season final results of sixth and tenth, respectively, they each rode for one one day on track, in often glorious weather.

Official BbKRT team test rider, Xavi Fores, made initial evaluations of new materials and settings while riding on the opening day, Wednesday 26 November, before Axel and Alex each took to the track on Thursday 27 November.

One again the amount of test days each regular WorldSBK rider can have each year are heavily limited, with only ten days allowed in all.

Lowes and Bassani each set over seventy laps in an intense day of work for all involved. Bassani was suffering from a fever that sapped his stamina at times, but worked through it to maximise the available track time.

Several other 2026 teams and riders shared the circuit with the BbKRT riders, and there were many new rider and team line-ups in evidence.

Alex’s best lap time of the test was a 1’37.824, which made him the fastest rider of all, finishing up 0.234 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. Axel’s best pace saw him set a 1’38.585 lap, which put him fifth in the combined time sheets.

This test was the first opportunity to see Uri Pallarès and Axel working together. Pallarès will be the Italian rider’s new crew chief for 2026. Marcel Duinker also took part in the test in his new role as Track Engineer, supporting the racing activities of bimota and Kawasaki with his extensive engineering skills and experience.

Now the traditional winter break from track action begins, with the BbKRT riders back in action for another test at Jerez, between 21-22 January 2026.

The first competitive round of the new FIM Superbike World Championship season will be at Phillip Island in Australia, between 20-22 February.

Alex Lowes, stated: “We had a positive day. The track was really cold this morning with some damp patches, especially at T8 and a little bit in the last corner. We took our time before we went on track but even though we started at 11.30 we still managed to set 76 laps. We continued the work we started in the test after the last race and also tried a few things, and a more ideas. We had some good stuff with the electronics. Sander, my electronics guy, has been working hard and we tried a couple of new things to help in corner entry, to give me some confidence. They were good. I think, overall, comparing the last race of 2025 to now we have made some steps forward. We have to be careful, because the track conditions at Jerez change so much and the track is really grippy, so the lap times are fast. This means we cannot get too excited but I do think we have made the bike a little bit better since the last race, which was our target. Now we can focus on the January tests and keep trying to move the project forward. Overall, I am really happy.”

Axel Bassani, stated: “We did one day of testing at Jerez and I felt a little sick so after two or three laps of each pitlane exit I started to feel it. But, we did a lot of laps, 73, and we completed a lot of work. We tried some new items and it was also my first time working with Uri, my new crew chief. The test at Jerez was quite positive and the pace was not bad. Similar to some others. Sure, we need to improve a lot but the start point is not bad. Now there is the winter break so we can relax a bit before we start testing again in January.”

Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “Our test was positive. On day one we tested all day with Xavi Fores and we confirmed many of the items that we wanted to. Xavi was as fast as he had ever been at Jerez, which was very good. When we started with Alex it was very positive. You have to be careful in winter testing when you try new items because the track is cool and it performs well, because of the temperature. We tried some things for the 2026 spec and Alex left the test with a good smile on his face. This is the most important thing. It seems like we have made a step forward in the overall package. He finished the test as the fastest rider, and with a good feeling. Overall, it was positive. Now we have a short break, then Christmas time, and we will enjoy being at home for a little bit. But, we are already focused on the January tests where we have something to keep us working.”

Uri Pallares, Crew Chief for Axel Bassani, stated: “This was the first day of Axel and I working together and it takes time for him to get to know me, and for me to understand his request for what he needs to go fast on the bike and his way he provides feedback. But, I am quite happy because we followed the test plan and we worked a little bit with different balances on the bike. I have to say that today Axel was not in his best physical condition because he had a fever. After two or three laps he lacked some energy, so he struggled a little but with that. But, he did a very good job and, as always, he stayed with a full commitment to work. At the end we were both happy with how things went and we have some ideas for January. It is just the start. I enjoyed working with him a lot, and all the guys. Overall, I am happy. This is just the beginning but we can take some positives. I feel we are on a good way.”