A Thrilling FP2 Session at the 2024 World Superbike in Assen
The 2024 World Superbike Championship is well underway, and the excitement reached new heights during the Free Practice 2 (FP2) session at the iconic TT Circuit Assen. Fans witnessed a series of dramatic turns as riders battled it out, displaying sheer speed and skill. Here’s a deep dive into the exhilarating FP2 session that set the stage for what appears to be a fiercely competitive race weekend.
Early Surprises and Rising Tensions
The session started off with a bang as Tito Rabat set the early pace, surprising many with his swift adaptation to the challenging conditions of the circuit. However, it wasn’t long before Toprak Razgatlioglu, the 2021 World Champion, took the reins. Razgatlioglu’s performance was nothing short of stellar as he continued to blaze through the track, setting a red-hot pace that others struggled to match.
As more riders rolled out, the paddock buzzed with anticipation and competitive spirit. Notably, Jonathan Rea of the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK team expressed a robust confidence in his team amidst the intense on-track rivalry. Rea’s trust in his team’s capabilities highlighted the internal strengths that often go unnoticed amidst the external competitive pressures.
Ducati vs. Yamaha: The Rivalry Intensifies
The tension between Ducati and Yamaha escalated when Ducati clapped back at Yamaha following criticism over their rider Alvaro Bautista. Ducati’s pointed remark about Yamaha having “bigger problems” than just Bautista added an extra layer of drama to the already charged atmosphere, underlining the fierce rivalry that adds spice to the WorldSBK series.
Dramatic Shifts in Leadership
The leaderboard saw frequent changes, a testament to the level of competition and skill across the teams. Andrea Locatelli briefly claimed the top spot, outpacing his competitors by just over two tenths of a second. However, his lead was short-lived as Michael Ruben Rinaldi of Motocorsa Ducati quickly bested him, pushing past Alex Lowes’s time by a significant half-second margin.
As the session progressed, more Ducati riders began to make their presence felt at the front of the pack. Sam Lowes moved into a commendable second place, just ahead of the series leader Nicolo Bulega, showcasing the depth of talent in the Ducati lineup.
| 2024 World Superbike Assen – Free Practice (2) Results | ||||
| Pos | Rider | Nat | Team | Time |
| 1 | Alvaro Bautista | SPA | Aruba.It Racing Ducati | 1:35.473s |
| 2 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | TUR | ROKIT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team | +0.277s |
| 3 | Remy Gardner | AUS | GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team | +0.354s |
| 4 | Michael Ruben Rinaldi | SPA | Motocorsa Ducati | +0.446s |
| 5 | Jonathan Rea | GBR | Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK | +0.449s |
| 6 | Nicolo Bulega | ITA | Aruba.It Racing Ducati | +0.468s |
| 7 | Sam Lowes | GBR | Marc VDS Ducati | +0.593s |
| 8 | Michael Van Der Mark | NED | ROKIT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team | +0.654s |
| 9 | Dominique Aegerter | SWI | GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team | +0.743s |
| 10 | Andrea Iannone | ITA | GoEleven Ducati | +0.776s |
| 11 | Philipp Oettl | GER | GMT94 Yamaha | +0.928s |
| 12 | Scott Redding | GBR | Bonovo Action BMW | +1.252s |
| 13 | Tito Rabat | SPA | Puccetti Kawasaki | +1.361s |
| 14 | Iker Lecuona | SPA | Team HRC WorldSBK | +1.482s |
| 15 | Garrett Gerloff | USA | Bonovo Action BMW | +1.624s |
| 16 | Alex Lowes | GBR | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK | +1.704s |
| 17 | Axel Bassani | ITA | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK | +1.767s |
| 18 | Andrea Locatelli | ITA | Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK | +1.784s |
| 19 | Xavi Vierge | SPA | Team HRC WorldSBK | +2.483s |
| 20 | Bradley Ray | GBR | Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSBK Team | +2.878s |
| 21 | Tarran Mackenzie | GBR | Petronas Mie Honda | +3.460s |
| 22 | Nicholas Spinelli | ITA | Barni Spark Racing Team | +4.641s |
| 23 | Adam Norrodin | MAL | Petronas Mie Honda | +6.548s |
The Red Flag and Weather Woes
With 17 minutes left on the clock, the session was abruptly halted by a red flag due to safety concerns. One of the air fences required urgent repairs, a critical safety measure in the high-speed world of superbike racing. Shortly after the session resumed, heavy rain poured down, dampening the track and the riders’ hopes of improving their times.
FP2 Results: Bautista Takes the Lead
Despite the interruptions, the FP2 session concluded with some impressive times on the board. Alvaro Bautista clinched the fastest time, reinforcing Ducati’s strong performance with a time of 1:35.473s. Following closely were Toprak Razgatlioglu and Remy Gardner, who finished second and third respectively, setting the stage for what promises to be a riveting race day.
Razgatlioglu’s remarkable performance in the damp conditions of FP1, where he also led the timesheet, indicates that the ROKIT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team has found a sweet spot in their setup that could be a game-changer as the weekend progresses.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Races
The results of FP2 at the Assen TT Circuit hint at a highly unpredictable race weekend. With top riders from Ducati, Yamaha, and BMW showcasing close timings and the potential for strategic excellence, the races are poised to be a spectacular display of world-class superbike racing.
Fans and teams alike will be keeping a keen eye on the weather, as the conditions could play a crucial role in determining strategy and performance. With the likes of Bautista, Razgatlioglu, and Gardner at the top of their game, the excitement is guaranteed to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
The 2024 World Superbike Championship at Assen is shaping up to be a memorable event, filled with speed, strategy, and a dash of high-octane drama. As the riders gear up for the upcoming races, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will emerge victorious in the battle of the superbikes? Stay tuned, because this WorldSBK season is just heating up!
