P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With the 2024 WorldSBK season just over a month from getting underway, pre-season testing will provide a clearer picture of where every team and rider stands.
The upcoming tests at Jerez and Portimao will feature almost the entire WorldSBK grid, including all five factory teams. Toprak Razgatlioglu will have ample time to adapt to his new BMW machine, after brief outings last season. BMW is hoping to challenge at the front of WorldSBK with the addition of Razgatlioglu and their more powerful bike. Michael Van Der Mark, who has recovered from injuries last season, will also be looking for a strong test in Jerez aboard the Yamaha R1. Jonathan Rea will continue to fine-tune his performance with the R1 and could be Alvaro Bautista’s main challenger. Bautista, the 2023 champion, will aim to maintain his dominance with Ducati. Honda has developed a new CBR1000RR-R and Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge will have their first opportunity to test it. Kawasaki, with only three bikes, could face a tough season without their former champion Rea, but newcomer Axel Bassani may bring fresh energy to the team. Lastly, rookies Andrea Iannone and Sam Lowes will be on their Ducati machines for the first time in 2024 during the Jerez tests.
