P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With pre-season testing right around the corner, here are some predictions from Crash.net heading into next month’s WorldSBK season-opener.
The top rider for each manufacturer in 2024 will likely be Alvaro Bautista for Ducati, as he has been dominant in recent years. Despite having a rookie teammate, Nicolo Bulega, Bautista is expected to continue his success. Jonathan Rea is the most accomplished WorldSBK rider and will be a strong contender for Kawasaki, although Andrea Locatelli could be a strong Yamaha rider. Sam Lowes has the experience to be Kawasaki’s top rider, but Axel Bassani is also talented. Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to BMW makes him the likely top rider for the manufacturer, with notable competition from Michael Van Der Mark, Scott Redding, and Garrett Gerloff. The battle for top rider at Honda will likely come down to Lecuona and Vierge. Petrucci, with experience under his belt and a competitive bike, could make consistent podium finishes in 2024.
