He is the youngest rider on the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid but he certainly doesn't lack grit and determination. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) is ready to face his first year in the premier class of production-derived motorcycle Racing and he already has a clear idea of ​​how to enter with a big statement.

“I feel good and I am really happy to start this new adventure. I have a lot of work to do and a lot to learn but I am happy and ready to give my best. I want to try to learn from the other riders even if at the moment I have to think about adapting to the new bike. The tests went well and I can't wait to start the season!”

Axel comes from an area where motorcycling is not the main sport: “I was born in Feltre, a town in the province of Belluno. Here, skiing is the sport par excellence and I also embarked on this path at the beginning. But the passion for motorcycles and engines has always been in the family. At the age of seven or eight, I asked ‘Santa’ to bring me a mini bike. It all started like this and it went on until I was 12. The first time I took to the track was in Ripapersico, in the province of Ferrara.”

Bassani remembers well the emotions he experienced in the transition from the world of minibikes to the more 'traditional' ones: "Without a doubt, the first time you enter a 'real' circuit is tough. After a couple of times you start to mesh. The first lap was 'cool'; I made my debut at Misano, a track that I like even though Mugello remains my favourite.”

Like any self-respecting rider, the Venetian rider we will see riding the Ducati Panigale V4 R also has idols that he took as a reference during his adolescence: “I have always admired Valentino Rossi; I must admit, however, that - over the years - I really like Marc Marquez for his aggressiveness without forgetting the very methodical approach of Andrea Dovizioso.”

Although in the past he had to face difficult times, the current balance of his career is more than positive: “So far I'm happy even if obviously I could have done better. 2016 gave me great satisfaction: in fact I won the title in the European Supersport. WorldSBK is now a dream come true. I absolutely did not expect to land in the premier class of production derivatives at just 22-years-old. During 2020 we started talking to Lorenzo Mauri, he liked me as a rider and he wanted to believe in me. In WorldSBK, my idol can only be Jonathan Rea; it will be great for me to find myself on the track with these 'monsters' and I still don't realise it 100%.”

Axel added: “I really like the Superbike world, for this season we didn't want to set ourselves specific goals, the Motocorsa Racing team is in its second year in WorldSBK. The goal is to all grow as much as possible with fewer ups and downs, we just want to have fun. This winter, I prepared well working six days a week. The race weekend will be different and more challenging for me. So far, we have carried out three tests of two days each and at the beginning of May we will be in Navarra”.

Bassani has recently met his 'new family' but has already managed to establish an excellent relationship with his team: "They are all great people, I get along well with everyone. I immediately noticed the great passion that reigns inside it. I also want to thank the sponsors for the support they give us. I hope to give everyone great satisfaction.”

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