WorldSBK Update

Pedercini Racing additionally with Samuele Cavalieri – Cortese out

We had already put a question mark behind Sandro Cortese’s WSBK future last autumn. While others were talking about possible places, it was clear to us that the “Italo-Swabian” would have trouble finding a new place. At least in the premier class of the near-series World Championship, it was obvious that after Leon Camier’s tale of suffering, all team bosses would be careful with his shoulder. No team relies on a driver who still has unanswered health issues, unless he brings a lot of sponsorship money with him. This is exactly what happened with Samuele Cavalieri, with which, in addition to the Belgian Loris Cresson, a second driver has now found refuge with Lucio Pedercini.

The new Pedercini pilot – no unknown

Whoever crossed the finish line as a wildcard driver ahead of Alvaro Bautista, Sandro Cortese and Marco Melandri in his home race in June 2019 does not need any additional references. The young Italian landed in the points for Motocorsa Racing twice within two days in Misano. The fact that he took off at Turn 4 in the Superpole Race did not detract from his outstanding performance. Lucio Pedercini already had drivers like the Germans Max Neukirchner and Sandro Cortese under contract and was a long-time pilot himself. In times of the corona pandemic, you can now even compete with two drivers – Chapeau! We take our hats off to the man and his team.

No rpm-limit for BMW and Kawasaki yet

At the request of one of our readers regarding the definition of the speed limit for new models, we can calm down. Because BMW will enter the race with the M 1000-RR and Kawasaki with a greatly improved ZX-10RR, two new models will have to be homologized by the FIM. Of course, the definition of the speed limit by the highest motor sport authority also plays a certain role, especially for the top performance of the engines. Since BMW has not yet participated in an official WorldSBK test since October 2020, this restriction plays a completely subordinate role for Bayern.

Don’t panic with Kawasaki
At Kawasaki, as the drivers and team recently assured, they are well-prepared for any eventuality. Compared to Ducati and Honda, the FIM cannot afford a scandalously low maximum speed for BMW and Kawasaki. Ultimately, this is just a software parameter for the electronics that can be adjusted within minutes. Not only the top speed and maximum horsepower are important, but also the so-called power curve and torque. So you definitely don’t have to worry about BMW and Kawasaki. The engineers of these top companies have mastered their profession better than 90 percent of the clerks who report on motorsport.

Much more important than rpm and 2 to 3 HP more or less
Early and extensive tests are much more important. However, we have some worry lines about the coming season with regard to the blue and white. Assuming that the pandemic forces an even more compressed calendar than last year, things will be tight for BMW. According to crew chief Pere Riba and Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki has already done around 90 percent of its test work and is well-equipped for the upcoming World Cup. Michael van der Mark, on the other hand, has not yet driven a meter on the new M 1000-RR in racing conditions. Likewise, Jonas Folger and Eugene Laverty, who probably only knew the bike from pictures so far. Should it come, like in 2020 in MotoGP, the preparation time will be very tight. The one and a half months from March 5th to the first planned race in April in Assen are already short enough for further development. Truly, “Magic Michael”, Tom Sykes and the other BMW colleagues are not to be envied!

The current official WorldSBK test plan until spring

Portimao test: 4^th – 5^th March – 1st test planned by BMW, just 1.5 months before Assen
Jerez test: 9^th – 10^th March (Honda only)
Misano test: 15^th – 16^th March
Estoril test: 24^th – 25^th March
Barcelona test: March 31^st – 1^st April
MotorLand Aragon test: April 12^th – 13^th

Provisional and unfinished calendar for 2021