P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Bimota WorldSBK boss Guim Roda explains a change of crew chief for Axel Bassani for the 2026 season.
Marcel Duinker’s transition to a new engineering role within the Bimota WorldSBK team marks a significant change after serving as crew chief for Kawasaki for over a decade, securing the world title in 2013 with Tom Sykes.
Duinker’s shift includes a focus on development and supporting teams running the KB998 in national championships, like the FS-3 team in BSB, as confirmed by Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team manager Guim Roda.
Uri Pallares, with a strong background in championship-winning teams, takes over as Axel Bassani’s new crew chief, with Roda expressing confidence in Pallares’ experience and readiness to work with Bassani.
The transition was put to the test as Bassani and Pallares began working together at the Jerez test on 27 November, although their initial collaboration faced challenges due to Bassani falling ill.
Roda highlighted Duinker’s invaluable technical expertise, especially in areas like suspension, emphasizing his continued contribution to both Kawasaki and Bimota projects.
Overall, the personnel changes signal a strategic realignment within the team aimed at optimizing performance and support across national championships and development efforts.
