Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) and his Bimota KB998 Rimini showcased their speed on Saturday at the Tissot Aragon Round as he sailed up the grid for a P8 finish. In what is the first MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season back in the Championship, and the #47’s first campaign riding their platform, his Race 1-saving ride will come as an exciting sign for the future of the project.

NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE: “I tried just to do my race; I knew my pace was quite good to be near the top 10”

FIM WorldSBK Stewards applied Bassani’s penalty after Free Practice 2 for not respecting yellow flag procedures, and he was consequently obliged to start from the back of the grid in Race 1. Undeterred, Bassani had already gained four places by the end of Lap 1. Lap after lap, the #47 gained positions to sit within the points in P13 by Lap 5. Not satisfied with just three points, Bassani fought his way past strong riders like Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha), Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) to finish in P8

On his Race 1, Bassani said: “It’s been a hard race because we had to start from the back of the grid. I accept it, it’s a part of the game. I tried to just focus on my race; I knew my pace was quite good, which put me near the top 10. I had a lot of fun because I had lots of overtakes, and I had to study when to get on the brakes and when to open the gas. I really enjoyed the race, and I’m happy we had this result, especially for the team, for all the hard work they did yesterday. Today we had to start from the back, but considering that, the race was good.”

IMPROVED SUNDAY POSITION: Bassani set to start the Tissot Superpole Race from P11

Sunday’s Tissot Superpole Race will feature Bassani starting from P11 thanks to his speed in Race 1. With his improved track position, Bassani won’t have to fight his way through the field as he did on Saturday; however, the Italian Bimota rider states that while it will be easier, expectations should be tempered for the shorter-distance contest.

On how he sees Sunday’s upcoming WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Race, Bassani said: “It will be easier in the first laps tomorrow because we start from P11.  It will be tough to climb much farther, because the pace from P6 to P9 changes a lot. I think our position won’t change significantly by the end of the race, but we will do our best.”

Catch Bassani and the rest of the field on track on Sunday at 11:00 (UTC +2) for the Tissot Superpole race! Watch live or on demand with the WorldSBK VideoPass! Now just €9.99!