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The start of the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is mere hours away at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit but, before track action begins, riders have been talking tough on Thursday during the Australian Round. Hot topics were covered, from riders beginning a new chapter, how recoveries are going and who could fight for the victory or for the podium in Australia – with competitors naming multiple contenders. Get all the hottest quotes from Phillip Island below…

NEW ADVENTURES: “Really excited… I’ve been enjoying riding it… feels like an old friend… very different!”

A few riders are starting a new era in WorldSBK or returning to an old one in some capacity. One such rider is Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), who will help lead Bimota’s return to WorldSBK. He said: “I’m really excited to start this new chapter. It’s not completely new as me and the whole team have changed. We’re getting used to the new colours. The KB998 Rimini is a fantastic bike. I’ve enjoyed riding it from the first test in the winter. The test at Phillip Island went well, it’s been enjoyable to ride. Some parts of the bike are very strong, some parts that we’re still trying to improve which is completely normal.”

Explaining how he feels he is to race a Panigale V4 R again, Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) said: “I’ve been enjoying riding it; not as much as I thought initially as I needed more time. I was a little bit nervous before Phillip Island because we only had two days with not really perfect track conditions. I’m enjoying being back on a Ducati a lot. Adapting back to the Ducati’s been nice but not super easy. There have been a couple of things in my riding style that I’ve adapted in the past three years that I need to get out of, like a bad habit.”

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) is preparing to race for his third manufacturer in WorldSBK, and he said ahead of his Kawasaki debut:  “I felt pretty much right at home right away. I'm feeling really happy on the bike, it feels like an old friend kind of thing. It gives me a similar feeling to other bikes in the past. I'm really happy with the front of the bike and how the front feels. It’s allowed me to ride differently to how I have in the past which is something that can be positive. I'm happy with the speed I have for the most part, I need a little more obviously, but I think for the little time I have on the bike, We're in a good spot.”

Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) is one of four rookies making their full-time debut in Australia and has shown good pace in testing. He said ahead of his first round at Phillip Island: “It’s been a big step and it’s very different to what I’ve ever ridden in British Superbike, with the electronics and also the Ducati is a completely different bike. I’ve got a good feeling with the bike, feeling good with the team; they’re working incredibly well. I’m just starting to understand the electronics a little bit more, what I need from the bike and what it’s capable of.”

WHO’S IN THE MIX? “One of the most exciting things is there are 12 or 15 people who could be on the podium”

2025 marks 25 years since Bimota’s last win. Discussing the possibility of winning this year for the Italian brand, and who’s going to fight at the front this weekend, Lowes said: “It would be a dream to start the new project with a win. We have to be careful to not expect too much. Last year, arguably, this track was the strongest track for the Kawasaki, and we took advantage of that. This year, it’s not the same bike, but you never know. From the test, Bulega and Iannone looked strong and consistent and Petrucci as well. Alvaro’s always strong at this track. Locatelli’s always fast here, Toprak is always going to be in the fight for the victory. One of the most exciting things is there are 12 or 15 people who could be on the podium; this is the reality.”

Reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) said of his 2025 goals: “Last year was an amazing season and now we’re using the #1, I need to keep it for next year. This isn’t easy because everyone is very strong, especially all the Ducati riders and Bulega. He’ll come back stronger. Last year, he did an incredible job every race weekend but I know he’ll start stronger this year. I’m still working and the team too. We’re still working for the best setup, we’ll never give up. I’ll always trying to do my best in the race and the team are pushing more than 100%. We’re using the #1 and this is important; winning the Championship this year is my biggest target because I’ve never won the Championship with the #1. This weekend is important, I need to start strong.”

Eight-time Phillip Island winner Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) added: “I’m looking forward to the weekend, especially in the last test I was feeling much better on the bike and was starting to recover my confidence, so I enjoyed the two days of testing a lot. I’m looking forward to starting the weekend, in the first race you always feel a bit nervous like it’s the first day of school, so I’m really looking forward to it and let’s see if I can keep the same confidence this weekend! Nicolo looked really strong, Petrucci, Iannone, and Toprak with the BMW, I think this track is good for bigger riders, you need put lots of pressure on the bike every time with fast corners and changing direction. Smaller riders like myself are maybe at a disadvantage but either way I enjoy riding here and it is one of my favourite tracks. I have won many races here and for the victory there is a clear name, but the podium there will be a strong battle.”

2024 runner-up Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) discussed whether he was the favourite Down Under and who else would be in contention: “I don’t know if I’m the favourite, I’m just thinking about where I can improve. Everyone will improve so I know I need to keep taking steps forward and improving with my team, keeping the good confidence with the bike, and always staying in the first position. lots of riders were fast during the test like Toprak, Iannone, Petrucci, Locatelli, Bautista, lots of fast guys very close, I think it will be an interesting weekend.”

FLAG-TO-FLAG: “It could be an opportunity… it’s a different experience for me!”

Flag-to-flag races provide an opportunity, one that riders will look to grasp with both hands. Gerloff said about mandatory pit stops: "It could be an opportunity; the pit minimum time reduces the amount of an advantage that you can find from a fast pit. There are other advantages you can find, I know we'll have no issues with our pit stops but I just want to have fast in laps and out laps.”

Rookie Vickers discussed whether flag-to-flag races would be an advantage for him, saying: “It’s difficult. I wouldn’t have said it’s an advantage but it’s a different experience for me. I’ve never done anything like that. I’m looking forward to it. It’s not going to be a big deal; the Ducati and the electronics system have got a really good strategy of making sure we spent the correct time in the pits. The team have done a fantastic job with the wheel changes. It’s a bit strange for a racer, in general, to have this lull in the middle! Normally when you’re in race mode, it’s full gas. It’s going to be an exciting way of racing for me.”

RECOVERY: “I think I feel 8/10, maybe 9…”

Discussing his injury recovery, and how he’s feeling after a big crash in testing, Razgatlioglu said: “I’m feeling better than Monday! I feel less pain. I’m very happy that the weekend is starting. I think I feel now 8/10, maybe 9. I feel good and I’m ready to race.”

LOOKING FOR GAINS: “It’s always nice to start a Championship at the home round!”

Discussing his home round, and where he’s looking for gains during the weekend, Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) said: “It’s always nice to start a Championship at my home round. Phillip Island’s a special track that I enjoy a lot. Always happy to ride here in front of the home fans. We need to improve and find some speed. The team have worked hard these days and hopefully we can find something. It’s pretty much on the same line as last year. Portimao was in mixed conditions, and I think not everyone was pushing as hard as they could’ve been. It didn’t feel too bad there but definitely struggling more than we expected here.”

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