WorldSBK Round Nine Report | Hat-trick home hero Petrucci dominates

WorldSBK Round Nine Hat-trick home hero Petrucci dominates. The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship didn’t disappoint spectators at the Acerbis Italian Round, as Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing) secured all three wins to enjoy a perfect weekend. Report: Ed Stratmann/WorldSBK

WorldSBK Round Nine

Friday practice
WorldSBK

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the fastest rider on Friday as he claimed P1 by just 0.081s. He was ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in second, while it was a very good day for Kawasaki as Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) found himself in the top five during the Acerbis Italian Round. With a mixed up order and big hitters missing, was there to be a surprise in store at the Cremona Circuit?

Read our WorldSBK 2024 Round Eight Report here…

With track conditions vastly improved compared to Free Practice 1, there was an immediate rush to get out on track after half the field sat out the morning session. Alex Lowes took advantage of these to be the first rider into the 1’29s to claim P1 at the halfway stage of the session. With just over a minute remaining in the session, the #22 moved himself back into first after being demoted to third after setting a 1’29.685s. It was a strong day for Kawasaki with Rabat, who was very quick in testing at Cremona earlier in the year, taking fourth; the Spanish rider had posted a time good enough for P1 but it was deleted due to yellow flags. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was tenth with all three ZX-10RR machines in the top ten.

Petrucci finished just 0.081s behind Lowes in a closely-fought session, with ‘Petrux’ aiming for a home win on home soil. His time of 1’29.766s was around seven tenths clear of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in third as ‘Bulegas’ looked to take advantage of title rival Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) being absent. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) moved into the top five with his final lap, demoting Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) to sixth after the #1 set a 1’30.020s on his final lap.

WorldSBK Round Nine

WorldSSP

The FIM Supersport World Championship delivered a competitive display at the Italian track as the riders battled to secure the best possible grid positions for the race on Saturday. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) claimed his third pole position in a row after a disrupted, red-flagged session at the Cremona Circuit, with a bike between him and title rival Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) on Saturday’s Race 1 grid. With Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) taking second and Montella third, all the signs were pointing towards a fierce fight when lights went out for the Acerbis Italian Round.

The Spaniard set a lap time of 1’31.478s to finish 0.298s ahead of his rivals Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) who started from third on the grid. Huertas was the quickest rider out of the blocks in the 40-minute session, posting his best lap time on just his third flying lap with none of his rivals able to trouble him. Manzi set a 1’31.776s to take second, around three tenths down on Huertas, with title rival Montella in third and 0.032s back from the Yamaha rider.

View all practice results here...

Saturday
WorldSK

WorldSBK Race 1

Danillo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed his first World Superbike win, making it his eleventh career podium. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took his fifteenth career podium in second whilst Spaniard Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) put in an impressive performance to take third. Petrucci became the first rider to win in MotoGP, WorldSBK, STK1000, STK600, MotoAmerica and a stage of the Dakar Rally.

WorldSBK Round Nine

With it being a Ducati front row start at the Italian circuit, as Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) was alongside Petrucci and Bulega on pole, a close three-way battle followed in the perfect dry conditions. Petrucci, who had been strong all weekend demonstrated his dominance on the bike, pushing hard for his maiden win. Turn 10 saw Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) crash out of contention despite riding a strong race in the top 10, whilst Spaniard Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was pushing his way through the field. Despite looking competitive for the rostrum, it wasn’t to be Iannone’s dream Italian race as he crashed out of contention, leaving Petrucci and Bulega battling for the top spot and Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) holding third with 13 laps to go.

WorldSBK Round Nine

With 12 laps remaining in Cremona, Lecuona made an impressive move to take third place from Locatelli as Bautitsa worked his way from seventh to third with just eight laps to go. At two thirds race distance, the race was red flagged, resulting in a Ducati podium lockout, the first time in Italy since Imola in 2010. Honda rider Lecuona took his first top five since Portimao in 2023 after an outstanding ride at the Italian Circuit. Petrucci became the ninth oldest rider to get his maiden win and the 81st World Superbike winner. He stood on the top step of the podium, with Championship contenders Bulega and Bautista completing the Race 1 Cremona rostrum. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) took a P5 finish on home soil, his best result of the 2024 season while it was also his first top-five result since MotorLand Aragon last year.

WorldSBK Round Nine

“It’s unbelievable! It’s a great feeling because it was really unexpected after yesterday’s penalty. I thought it could be difficult to jump on the podium but after a few laps, I understood that I had good pace,” Petrucci explained.

WorldSBK Race 1 Results

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team)
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.590s
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +6.383s
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +7.583s
Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +10.125s

WorldSSP Race 1

In Race 1 of the FIM Supersport World Championship at the Cremona Circuit in Italy, Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) stormed across the line to take the top step of the podium, achieving his ninth win and 13th podium of the season. The Italian Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) managed to hold off a respectable effort from Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) who achieved his 17th podium.

From lights out, Adrian Huertas continued his dominant form, taking victory after starting from pole. The race was marked by a close battle between the top contenders, but Huertas managed to fend off his rivals, including Stefano Manzi and Yari Montella. Huertas set the pace early, with Manzi and Montella keeping pressure on throughout the race. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) also made an impact but couldn’t quite break into the top three.

With Huertas well ahead, there was still plenty of action near the front, with the two Italian riders providing plenty of entertainment for the spectators. With three laps remaining, it looked like Montella was going to keep increasing his gap between Manzi, however, a last effort charge from the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing rider showed he wasn’t ready to settle for third. He made an impressive overtake on his fellow Italian rival, and despite some close battles, Manzi managed to maintain his position to clinch second. Fourth place finisher Marcel Schroetter, was closely followed by Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) who secured a respectable fifth position.

WorldSSP Race 1 Results

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) +4.665s
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +7.597s
Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +13.000s
Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) +13.682s

Sunday

Superpole Race

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship returned for a dramatic Superpole Race, with Danilo Petrucci securing his 12th career podium victory in WorldSBK and Ducati’s 428th win in WorldSBK. Behind the Italian hero at the line was Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven).

Starting from third on the grid, Petrucci claimed the hole shot and stormed to Turn 1 ahead of Bulega and #Iannone. Britain’s Alex Lowes was keen to take part in the action at the front of the pack, overtaking Bulega into third position, just one lap into the Superpole race. Further back it was a three-way battle for fourth place, with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) determined to continue his impressive performance from Race 1.

Race 1’s podium finisher, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who put on an impressive performance to take third in Saturday’s Race, put in another solid ride. The #1 was outside of the top 10 during the first half of the race, but picked up speed throughout, managing to bank some vital championship points with a sixth.

WorldSBK Round Nine

It was all to fight for in the closing stages of the Superpole race, with Alex Lowes showing some late race pace after opting for the SCX tyre choice by pulling an impressive overtake on Bulega on the penultimate lap, and once again through on Iannone into the last lap at the Italian circuit. Out ahead, though, it was the #9 who was on top again at his home track, with almost a two second lead over his rivals before crossing the chequered flag. It was Italian Nicolo Bulega who held onto fourth place ahead of Lecuona and Bautista.

WorldSBK Round Nine

Superpole Race Results

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team)
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +1.797s
Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +2.572s
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +3.431s
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +4.729s

WorldSBK Race 2

Race 2 of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship didn’t disappoint for the Italian spectators at the Acerbis Italian Round, as Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) notched his third win in a row over the weekend, stepping onto the podium for the 13th time this season. It was another impressive start from Petrucci at lights out in Race 2, fresh from his Superpole Race win on Sunday morning. He was being chased down by fellow countrymen Bulega and Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) heading into Turn 1, with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Bautista close behind.

WorldSBK Round Nine

The race began to settle with 20 laps to go, as Petrucci maintained a firm lead out front, with the action for second and third positions providing some exciting battles. Alex Lowes fought a hard race to contend with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) and Spain’s Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) for a fiercely contested fourth and fifth place. But it was the American who managed to hold off his rivals and cross the line just outside of the rostrum. Lowes was on his tail, taking fifth at the chequered flag whilst Lecuona struggled with some late race pace, coming in over thirteen seconds behind the race winner.

Alvaro Bautista achieved an incredible 100th Ducati podium, matching Carl Fogarty’s record. He stood alongside Championship Title rival Bulega. Both riders are chasing down the current Championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who still leads despite being absent from the Italian Round due to injury. Bouncing back from previous struggles in the season, Danilo Petrucci has shown he is back and determined to keep fighting for wins. With just three rounds remaining in the WorldSBK 2024 season, the race action is certain to provide plenty more excitement.

WorldSBK Round Nine

“It was one of the best weekends in my career! After the first victory yesterday, I was full of emotion,” he reflected. “I didn’t expect to win the Superpole Race and Race 2. I was a little bit worried. I had a lot of opponents, especially Alvaro; I knew he would be fast at the end of the race. I was able to create a gap and he closed that gap a few tenths per lap. It’s something really special. A new track, a new venue, a lot of people… I think everyone in Italy deserves this kind of day today!”

WorldSBK Race 2 Results

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team)
Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.023s
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.910s
Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +8.452s
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +8.761s

Championship Points

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 365 points
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 352
Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 283
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 255
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 252

WorldSSP Race 2

Race 2 for the FIM Supersport World Championship was another crowd pleaser as Italian Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) took his first win since March in Barcelona, taking him closer in the Championship points to rival Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) who crashed out of the lead in Race 2 with 11 laps remaining.

It was Italian star Montella who appeared strongest to take home the win in the WorldSSP Race 2 in Cremona, whilst the battle for second place was fierce between current Championship leader Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) in the early stages at the Italian Circuit. But it wasn’t to be for #55 as he crashed out of first place, despite setting the race lap record of 1’32.117s, leaving Manzi and Huertas gunning for glory.

A gripping fourth place battle between German rider Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Frenchman Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) provided plenty of action, with the MV Agusta rider coming out on top to secure fourth over the line. Huertas rode to a confident second position, maintaining his Title lead from Montella, whilst #69 Thomas Booth-Amos impressed the paddock with his maiden podium result, coming in third position and completing the rostrum. He also became the first British rider to do so on a British bike since Chaz Davies in 2010.

With only three rounds of the 2024 season remaining, Huertas maintains a strong lead of 43 points ahead of the Italians, but only seven points between second place Montella and third Manzi means the Championship is heating up.

WorldSSP Race 2 Results

Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing)
Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +2.697s
Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) +7.561s
Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +9.412s
Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +10.243s

Championship Points

Adrián Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 334 points
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 291
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 284
Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 174
Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) 173

WorldWCR

WorldWCR Race 1

The first racing action of the weekend saw the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship Race 1 take place at the Italian Cremona Circuit. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) showcased a strong start at lights out, leading Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team), Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) and home hero Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) in a close four-way battle for the podium positions.

With six laps remaining of the race, #34 Alyssia Whitmore (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) suffered a crash at Turn 7, resulting in the race being red flagged. The British rider was taken to the medical centre following the crash, where it was reported she was conscious with a minor head injury and suspected concussion and a thumb injury of the right hand. Whitmore was to be transported to Cremona Hospital for further assessments on her condition.

The race was restarted over a five-lap distance, with grid positions based on the last completed timing point for each rider. After lights out, Herrera was chasing down her fellow Spaniard, with Sanchez and Ponziani close behind. The riders moved between positions as they aimed for the top step of the podium. With just four laps to go, Ponziani made a crucial mistake, going wide and falling out of podium contention at her home race.

It was down to the wire in the last lap at the Italian circuit, with another stunning move from Herrera in the final sector. The Championship leader made her move, sliding the bike under Sanchez before sprinting to the finish line and taking the win under perfect race conditions. Carrasco completed the all-Spanish podium in a close third position.

WorldWCR Race 1 Results

Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team)
Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) +0.075s
Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) +0.197s
Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +5.113s
Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +5.382s

WorldWCR Race 2

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship returned for another thrilling race at the Acerbis Italian Round but this time with Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha) storming to victory in Race 2, and taking the Championship title in the process. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) was in close contention for the win, however, she crashed out after a dramatic last lap clash with Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team). It was joy for Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport), though, as she stood on the rostrum alongside second place Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team).

It was a battle to the very last lap between Championship rivals Herrera and Carrasco, as they continuously slipstreamed and performed thrilling overtakes throughout the 12-lap race. Italian home hero Ponziani maintained a confident podium position ride throughout, managing to close in on the Spanish pair as they continued to battle for the victory. Sara Sanchez also began closing in on the top three, hoping to continue her success in Italy after Saturday’s Race 1.

A stunning four-way battle entertained spectators during the penultimate lap, as both Ponziani and Sanchez made a charge for the two Spaniards. Turn 11 ended the Championship Title hopes fo Herrera, however, as a dramatic clash of bikes with Sanchez resulted in both riders on the gravel and out of contention. Australian rider Relph was quick to take advantage and managed to cross the line in third for her first podium in the Championship.

Following the unfortunate crash for both Sanchez and Herrera, both riders were taken to the Medical Centre, where they were checked for injuries. Sanchez walked away from the incident unharmed whilst Hererra is reported to have suffered a neck sprain and contusion and was transported to Cremona Hospital for further assessments. Sara Sanchez has been penalised with a Long Lap Penalty for the next race following an incident review. As the Championship moves onto the final two rounds of the season, and with just nine points separating the top two riders, it promises to be a thrilling penultimate race weekend with all to ride for.

WorldWCR Race 2 Results