Following the news that Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) will leave Lorenzo Mauri’s team at the end of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, there’s been plenty of speculation about who could step into the #47 shoes at the Independent team. Lorenzo Mauri spoke about the possible candidates – of course without naming names – and how his team could looking going into next year.

“I am happy for Axel in a factory team as his and our growth has been repaid,” began an emotional Mauri, who has enjoyed three years with ‘El Bocia’ which has brought some great success, including six podiums and plenty of races where they’ve been in contention for victory. “He'll be for always in our hearts. The best memory is the Independent title at Mandalika; some years ago, I wanted to reach a goal like this.

“For 2024, lots of riders have knocked on our door and it’s a very difficult choice. In these past months, we have gone from ten to two possible riders now. There are two non-Italian riders and probably, we'll have a test day with each of them to understand their feelings and work method. They are young, both different challenges, I believe in both challenges and now there is a 50%-50% situation. I can't mention names. The aim is to win the title with Axel as Best Independent, staying calm and focused but I hope to also win the Independent Teams’ title. I like impossible challenges a lot but it's not over. Let's try although we have just one bike.”

Speaking in a media debrief following the news of Bassani’s departure, Mauri confirmed that a test at Jerez will be pivotal in understanding which rider it will be who goes forwards for 2024: Names are defined; there are two names and we'll have them for a test in Jerez. Both of them are already WorldSBK riders, I want to understand their feelings in a day test. The test will be pivotal to decide who will be our rider, to understand how he finds in the team and with the bike.”

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