WSBK 2025 Predictions
Discussion
Well the season is about to start and JR65 is already out for the season opener this weekend at PI after multiple fractures in his left foot in practice.
I hate to say it, but I think this may be his last year in WSBK, whatever the reason for moving to Yamaha it hasn't paid off for him and he just hasn't gelled with the bike, the last thing he needs his a foot injury right before the first round, he'll be playing catch up all year no doubt now unfortunately and it cannot be fun going from winning 6 titles to being mid-pack.
The smart money has to be on Toprak but I do think Bulega could be nipping at his heals, he has the pace and a year on the bike/team, Bautista feeling like a number 2 now in my eyes.
I hate to say it, but I think this may be his last year in WSBK, whatever the reason for moving to Yamaha it hasn't paid off for him and he just hasn't gelled with the bike, the last thing he needs his a foot injury right before the first round, he'll be playing catch up all year no doubt now unfortunately and it cannot be fun going from winning 6 titles to being mid-pack.
The smart money has to be on Toprak but I do think Bulega could be nipping at his heals, he has the pace and a year on the bike/team, Bautista feeling like a number 2 now in my eyes.
Cant see past Toprak.
When you think about what he did against the rocket Ducati and Rea, on a bike Rea was abysmal on last year and Bulega also showed up Bautista somewhat, you realise two things, he is wasted in some ways in SBK and he was doing things on that R1 nobody else could, other than perhaps a certain Spainard
When you think about what he did against the rocket Ducati and Rea, on a bike Rea was abysmal on last year and Bulega also showed up Bautista somewhat, you realise two things, he is wasted in some ways in SBK and he was doing things on that R1 nobody else could, other than perhaps a certain Spainard
Agree regarding JR possibly calling this his last year.. With top 10 finishes seen as a reasonable result on the Yamaha after a career of 6 titles and regular fighting for wins, cannot be easy for him..
The Yamaha move just hasn’t paid off, and tbh, they still don’t have the performance to compete with the missile Ducati and BMW
TR for the championship I think, Bulega second..
I’m hoping the new Bimota team are competitive as Alex had a good year with some great results on the Kawasaki
The Yamaha move just hasn’t paid off, and tbh, they still don’t have the performance to compete with the missile Ducati and BMW
TR for the championship I think, Bulega second..
I’m hoping the new Bimota team are competitive as Alex had a good year with some great results on the Kawasaki
I think in testing and perhaps in any practise session a lot of teams will be running full chat.
However with the new fuel flow restrictions it may just balance the field out under race conditions. To make horsepower you need fuel and air and of course the ability to fill and scavenge said mixture. If the BMW and Ducati have been able to achieve the big numbers but use a lot of fuel to do this, then perhaps 2025 will see the gaps become closer.
Really keen to see what happens this weekend as factory bikes and private teams alike are all now governed by the fuel flow and the best finishers will be tightly controlled to ensure compliance.
However with the new fuel flow restrictions it may just balance the field out under race conditions. To make horsepower you need fuel and air and of course the ability to fill and scavenge said mixture. If the BMW and Ducati have been able to achieve the big numbers but use a lot of fuel to do this, then perhaps 2025 will see the gaps become closer.
Really keen to see what happens this weekend as factory bikes and private teams alike are all now governed by the fuel flow and the best finishers will be tightly controlled to ensure compliance.
Chipchap said:
I think in testing and perhaps in any practise session a lot of teams will be running full chat.
However with the new fuel flow restrictions it may just balance the field out under race conditions. To make horsepower you need fuel and air and of course the ability to fill and scavenge said mixture. If the BMW and Ducati have been able to achieve the big numbers but use a lot of fuel to do this, then perhaps 2025 will see the gaps become closer.
Really keen to see what happens this weekend as factory bikes and private teams alike are all now governed by the fuel flow and the best finishers will be tightly controlled to ensure compliance.
I guess there's another fly in the ointment for PI with the tyres, haven't the organisers chosen to have a mandatory tyre swap. That would certainly add another variable into the weekend.However with the new fuel flow restrictions it may just balance the field out under race conditions. To make horsepower you need fuel and air and of course the ability to fill and scavenge said mixture. If the BMW and Ducati have been able to achieve the big numbers but use a lot of fuel to do this, then perhaps 2025 will see the gaps become closer.
Really keen to see what happens this weekend as factory bikes and private teams alike are all now governed by the fuel flow and the best finishers will be tightly controlled to ensure compliance.
Also, looks like no replacement for JR, simply timing and logistics from Yamaha's statement.
Freakuk said:
I guess there's another fly in the ointment for PI with the tyres, haven't the organisers chosen to have a mandatory tyre swap. That would certainly add another variable into the weekend.
Also, looks like no replacement for JR, simply timing and logistics from Yamaha's statement.
According to Paddock Pass Podcast there is a mandatory pit stop, but the new tyres look like they could actually go race distance if they were allowed.Also, looks like no replacement for JR, simply timing and logistics from Yamaha's statement.
Also rumours that BSB will be running Dunlops next year which is interesting.
John D. said:
Freakuk said:
I guess there's another fly in the ointment for PI with the tyres, haven't the organisers chosen to have a mandatory tyre swap. That would certainly add another variable into the weekend.
Also, looks like no replacement for JR, simply timing and logistics from Yamaha's statement.
According to Paddock Pass Podcast there is a mandatory pit stop, but the new tyres look like they could actually go race distance if they were allowed.Also, looks like no replacement for JR, simply timing and logistics from Yamaha's statement.
Also rumours that BSB will be running Dunlops next year which is interesting.
Personally, the Pirelli's are a good tyre for racing, and gone are the days where they give their best over the first 3 laps and the rest is just a game of holding on
Also, teams get a pretty decent deal on Pirelli's at BSB (think circa £330 a pair + VAT depending on class), so if they do change, I really hope they keep a similar price structure or it'll make the annual costs go up massively - SSP is around £25k a year on tyres alone currently
Edited by graeme4130 on Wednesday 19th February 22:51
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