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The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship burst back into action in Australia and what a season-opener it was. Two winners, seven riders on the podium from four manufacturers and countless overtakes and moments of drama. Just a few weeks on, and it’s time for Round 2: the Pirelli Catalunya Round. Here are 10 reasons why you won’t want to miss any action from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and why you should get your tickets HERE.

WHO WINS? Anyone’s game in Spain…

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) were victors in Australia, but it could’ve easily been three winners in three races, coming from six or seven riders. WorldSBK’s new era began in style in Australia, and that’s set to continue with the Catalunya Round. Perhaps Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) returns to winning ways, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) bounces back or Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) takes a first BMW victory. Or what about Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven), Bulega, Alex Lowes or everyone else? It really is anyone’s game…

IANNONE AND BULEGA: can they keep up their form in Spain?

Iannone and Bulega were a couple of the stand-out performers in Australia, and they will be hoping this continues. Both have experience of the circuit, with Bulega taking victory in WorldSSP last year, while Iannone’s last race there in MotoGP™ was back in 2019, when he finished 11^th. Having both been quick at different circuits in testing, they will have high hopes for Barcelona that they’ll be able to continue their strong form.

REA’S BIG ROUND 2: a fightback from the #65 to come

Rea had a disaster Down Under, scoring no points and ending the weekend with a trip to the medical centre and being declared unfit. Should he be given the go-ahead to race in Barcelona, the six-time Champion will be hoping he can bounce back in style and fight at the front to really kickstart his Yamaha career.

RAZGATLIOGLU AND BMW: what can we expect?

The Turkish star took a maiden podium for BMW in Australia at a circuit he’s had relatively limited success at, and Barcelona is another where he’s not always been in victory contention; in fact, he’s never won at the circuit. He has six podiums in 10 races there, all on Yamaha machinery, so Razgatlioglu will be hoping this continues – but with a victory charge too – following his switch to the BMW M 1000 RR.

ALWAYS A SURPRISE: never an easy round to predict…

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya always brings surprises. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), then at Motocorsa Racing, took his first WorldSBK podium and led his first laps there, there’s always thrilling fights and who can forget Andy Verdoia’s incredible win in the wet back in 2020; a mid-race shower causing havoc in WorldSSP?

RETURN OF WorldSSP300: a third World Championship in action

The return to Europe marks the start of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship season, with 32 riders on the entry list. Defending Champion Jeffrey Buis has a new home at KTM for 2024 as he looks to make it two titles in a row, and three overall, but he’ll face stiff competition from his rivals as they look to stop him winning. Always non-stop action, nothing in WorldSSP300 can be predicted.

PODIUM AND PARC FERME: get to the heart of the celebrations

The podiums for all three Championships, and the seven races, will take place in the paddock which gives fans a chance to watch riders celebrate in style. You get to hear their first words after a podium and then avoid the spray of Prosecco as riders sometimes run into the crowd. What better way to end a day than celebrating with riders…

PADDOCK SHOW AND FAN ZONE: off-track entertainment aplenty

At the same place as the podium ceremonies will be the paddock show, featuring interactive games, meet and greet sessions and much more. It’s a chance to bring fans as close to the riders as possible, getting to hear what they have to say and getting involved with games to add more fun to the WorldSBK experience. The fan zone will have attractions, shops, and more entertainment for even more off-track enjoyment.

CONCERTS: one day, three acts, one concert

New for 2024, as part of the Motorfest Barcelona, are concerts at the circuit. Els Catarres and Buhos will perform on Saturday, as will a DJ, on the main stage and you can watch it all as part of the off-track entertainment package. Make sure you stay and watch incredible performances.

THE DESTINATION: a stunning city nearby…

Of course, it would be amiss to not link the round to the city. Barcelona’s historic quarter and stunning beaches make it an event not to be missed, with the circuit located close to the Catalan city. Enjoy the local culture, visit historic monuments and areas, or go to the beach and bask in the Spanish sun, the city has something for everyone.

DON’T MISS OUT: get your tickets for the Pirelli Catalunya Round RIGHT HERE.