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The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season is in the history books – literally, after some incredible records were broken – and it’s been a time for reflection on an unforgettable campaign. Marco Melandri visited EICMA in Milan recently and he gave us his thoughts on the season just gone, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) success and bike control plus Nicolo Bulega's (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) impressive rookie season.

THE SEASON JUST GONE: “Amazing season… it was very good!”

2024 concluded in October with Razgatlioglu securing his second title ahead of rookie sensation Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati), with the pair fighting for the title until the final round at Jerez. ‘El Turco’ went on a 13-race winning streak to make WorldSBK history as he stormed to his second Riders’ Championship crown, but Bulega’s impressive performances as a WorldSBK novice also caught the eye of Melandri, who reviewed the title fight while also reflecting on the BMW history that Razgatlioglu made.

Looking back on the season, Melandri said: “It was a really amazing season. In the beginning, it looked like Bulega was the biggest surprise and was going to be the Champion. Suddenly, Toprak and BMW made a big step, and it looked like they were invincible. It looked like the Championship was over and at Magny-Cours, everything was open again. Toprak had a very big crash, but Bulega had a little bit of bad luck. It was very good. I think, Toprak, from when I saw him on track in 2019, had something special. I’m happy he won with BMW because I’m part of their history because I won the first races for them!”

“TOPRAK HAS AMAZING CONTROL…”: Melandri on Razgatlioglu

Razgatlioglu has been in WorldSBK since 2018 and a race winner in every season since 2019, claiming titles in 2021 and 2024. The Turkish superstar’s riding style often leaves fans amazed as he brakes with the rear wheel off the ground, looking like he’s going to miss the apex before pulling the bike down to hit the perfect line. Melandri spoke about the two-time Champion’s style, believing that while riders like Casey Stoner or Marc Marquez could be faster, Razgatlioglu’s bike control is unique.

Discussing Razgatlioglu’s style, Melandri stated: “I think the bike control Toprak has; I’ve not seen in anyone else. Maybe Stoner or Marquez can be faster, but Toprak has amazing control. It’s really a pleasure to see him ride on track and how he can stop the bike when you think it’s impossible to do it. Next year, he’s going to be the rider to beat. BMW are aware they can win again; they have the best rider. For the other guys, it’s not easy to come back. It’ll be very interesting to see Bimota. Looks like they’ve started very well, and they could be a big surprise.”

2025’S ROOKIE CONTINGENT: Melandri gives his view

A handful of riders will make their WorldSBK debut in 2025, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) making the step up from WorldSSP, while Ryan Vickers (Team Motocorsa Racing) moves from British Superbike into WorldSBK, switching from the Yamaha R1 to the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Melandri spoke about Montella and Vickers as rookies and the learning curves they’ll face next season.

The 22-time WorldSBK race winner said: “I think Montella has a very good chance because he knows the team, the tracks, how the format of the Championship works. It’s going to be tough, but he can grow very quickly. For Ryan Vickers, everything is new. He jumps on the Ducati, many tracks will be new, the format of the weekend is different compared to what he’s used to in the UK. I saw him training with flat track and he looks very determined. I like him and I hope he can have a good season.”

Relive the best moments from WorldSBK in 2024 and get set for 2025 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!