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As the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship readies for its fourth round of the season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the track may have only been on the calendar since 2020 but it’s been a modern classic. A stone’s through from Barcelona city centre, new fans are often venturing out during the stay in the city, and they’re guaranteed some of the best moments of the year. So, we looked back through recent times, to remind you of the wacky results we often see in Barcelona.

Race 2, 2020 and Race 1, 2022 – Garrett Gerloff’s shock podiums

Technically, these are two moments but both share the same context: they came as a bit of a surprise. In 2020, he was improving with each round but nobody could have predicted that he’d finish ahead of the likes of Championship contenders Jonathan Rea and Scott Redding. A battle with Michael van der Mark on the final lap saw him take third, whilst in Race 1 last year, Gerloff conserved his tyre to pick his way through the field, storming up to third for his only podium 2022. Can we see another Texan surprise this weekend, this time, for BMW?

Race 1, 2021 – Axel Bassani leads a race and takes a first podium

Our second visit to Barcelona saw the rain clouds open and drama throughout the race. Garrett Gerloff crashed a special Yamaha livery on the sighting lap, Toprak Razgatlioglu battled with Axel Bassani in the early stages before he retired with an electrical fault and then, the rookie Italian hit the front. He led for three laps and then, three laps from home, Scott Redding came through to deny what would have been one of the most emotional wins we’d ever seen. The first of a new-look Bassani, who’s been a podium contender ever since.

Superpole Race, 2021 – Rea vs Razgatlioglu on blistering opening lap

There’s often talk about the greatest last laps, but what about the greatest first laps? Usually, first laps are electric anyway, but for one to standout so vividly, it must have been good. In 2021, the restart of the Superpole Race was exactly that, as Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu continued their rivalry. Off the line, the pair collided, whilst from Turn 4 to Turn 9, the two were side by side all the way through the middle parts of the track in what was a stunning sight. Alvaro Bautista on the Honda managed to get into second into Turn 10, whilst behind, there was a crash for Andrea Locatelli and Kohta Nozane, which took title contender Scott Redding out wide into the gravel. An incredible battle, one of many in their catalogue.

Race 2, 2021 – Rinaldi shows what he’s capable of

Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s up and down form in 2021 saw peaks and troughs, but Barcelona was one of the high points. In low-grip and high-heat conditions, Rinaldi eased his way to the front with less than two laps to go after a battle with Toprak Razgatlioglu. He’d go on to take his most recent win in fine style to show that when the stars align, he’s the one who can shine supremely. It’s also proof that despite what a form book in Barcelona, whilst good for getting a general picture of what to expect, isn’t always indicative of what is to come.

Superpole, 2022 – rookie Iker Lecuona takes pole for Honda

After successful testing during pre-season and the middle of the year at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Team HRC always looked good. Even previous results with leading a race and taking a podium with Alvaro Bautista, Honda have always featured in the battle. However, last year’s Superpole was something special as Iker Lecuona stormed to pole. The third different polesitter (rider and manufacturer), it wasn’t exactly what was expected but it was a sign that Honda’s hard work was paying off. Can they mount the podium in 2023?

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: the youngest WorldSSP winner and WorldSSP300 drama

Some other moments that can’t be forgotten include Andy Verdoia staying out on slick tyres in monsoon-like weather in 2020’s WorldSSP Race 1. As everyone pitted for wets, he remained on track and then the red flag came out and the race wasn’t restarted and therefore he was declared the youngest-ever winner in WorldSSP aged just 17. In Race 2, Andrea Locatelli was crowned Champion, whilst the same year in WorldSSP300, Tom Booth-Amos and Yuta Okaya took maiden wins – also first wins for the UK and Japan. In 2021, Randy Krummenacher took his last WorldSSP race win in Race 1, whilst Manuel Gonzalez won a classic in Race 2. More excitement awaits in 2023!

Watch all the 2023 season unfold chapter-by-chapter with the comprehensive WorldSBK VideoPass!