Lone Barni Racing Team rider for 2017, Xavi Fores had a tough challenge ahead of him with the Ducati Panigale, taking on his second full season with the team. Putting in some strong performances throughout the year, he was able to secure a strong top seven finish in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship standings.

With a consistent season for the Spanish rider, it started with two top six finishes in Australia, taking strong results in the competitive races to kick the season off in style. Making the headlines as the series hit Europe, the Spanish rider was struck by a fire on his Ducati, which saw him engulfed in flames – but was declared fit for Sunday’s race. His first non-points scoring finish came in MotorLand Aragon’s Race One, but he was able to swiftly bounce back to take a top four around TT Circuit Assen in the second race of the weekend. At Ducati’s home circuit, Fores was able to secure two top five finishes in the interrupted weekend of racing. Two more top five finishes followed around Laguna Seca ahead of the summer break. A varied second half of the season followed for the Spanish rider, but equalled his best result of a top four came in France’s Race Two.

Ending his season in the top five under the floodlights at Losail International Circuit, Fores was soon set to announce he will remain with Barni Racing Team and the Panigale for another season, meaning he has more time to understand and develop the machine. With only four DNF’s this season, the 32 year old showed his steely determination and racing knowledge throughout 2017. 

Rewatch some of Fores’ highlights from the 2017 season, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.