Focused on the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal, between 9 and 11 August, both KRT riders are keen to continue their recent momentum with Lowes on the podium three times in the past two race weekends and Bassani understanding more and more about the set-up of his machine in terms of speed and consistency. An added novelty for Portimao though is an evening race format which will have obvious effects on tyre use planning and strategy.
Portimao, as the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is often referred to, is a fast and demanding venue and one at which Lowes has scored well in the past posting a creditable fifth in race one in 2024 while Bassani figured comfortably in the top fifteen in all three races last year riding for his former team.
Judged by many in the paddock as one of the most undulating and intense track layouts riders have to conquer, the 4.592km long circuit was first used for WorldSBK action in 2008, and has been the scene of several pivotal moments in the championship’s history ever since.
Featuring a very high number of blind corner entries and even a jump over a rise at one particularly busy sector of the track, Portimao also has a notably long main straight which is approached while already in fourth gear from the exit of the final downhill curve. The T1 braking area is also downhill at Portimao, adding to an already strong mix of challenges posed by this unique circuit located in the hills behind some of the most popular holiday resorts of the Algarve coast.
In the current championship standings Lowes is fourth and within sight of a higher ranking while Bassani is twelfth, just two places adrift of former KRT rider, Jonathan Rea. There are six rounds to go, including Portimao, and therefore ample opportunities for both KRT riders to improve their ranking before the season wraps up at Jerez across 18 to 20 October.
Alex Lowes, stated: “Portimao is always a fantastic race circuit to ride a great event for WorldSBK. This coming weekend we are racing in the evening which is going to make it even more special. It’s a track that suits our Ninja ZX-10RR and one I feel comfortable on too. The last section is one of my favourites in the calendar. My target is to work hard with the crew on Friday to check our potential during FP1 and FP2 before making realistic goals for the races but we have to be trying to fight for the podium again. I’m excited to get back into action.”
Axel Bassani, stated: “When we go to Portimao we will race at a different time; in the evening. So it will be nice to change and I like that change to the format. For sure it’s a difficult track that is not so easy to understand in order to go really fast as it is not so easy to see all the corners. That said, I like the layout and I hope to do a good job with the team. Riding the Ninja ZX-10RR is the best thing for me and for sure I will enjoy.”
Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) will head to Portimao looking for championship points to add to the six he has already acquired.
Kawasaki World Superbike / WorldSBK stats
8 x Riders’ Championships (Scott Russell 1993, Tom Sykes 2013, Rea 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020), 1 x EVO Riders’ Championship (David Salom 2014)
6 x Manufacturers’ Championships (Ninja ZX-10R 2015 & 2016, Ninja ZX-10RR 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020)
5 x Teams’ Championships (KRT/Provec Racing 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019)
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