Bimota's Final WorldSBK Test: A Crucial Learning Opportunity Before 2026
The upcoming Jerez WorldSBK test is a critical juncture for Bimota, offering a final chance to gather valuable insights before the 2026 season. This test, taking place from November 26-27, 2025, marks a continuation of Bimota's development efforts, building upon the progress made in October.
While some manufacturers, like Honda and BMW, view this test as the beginning of their 2026 campaign, Bimota stands out. The team, alongside Yamaha, has already been on track in Jerez following the 2025 season's final round in October. This unique position allows Bimota to focus on refining and evolving its KB998 Rimini bike.
Alex Lowes, a key figure in Bimota's efforts, expresses his enthusiasm for the upcoming test, highlighting the importance of the work ahead. With no new bike to develop this year, the focus shifts to incremental improvements and addressing specific areas of challenge.
Lowes mentions the contributions of Showa and the innovative ideas from his crew chief, Pere Riba, as pivotal in tackling the issues encountered during the 2025 season. The primary objective is to extract as much knowledge as possible from this test, ensuring Bimota is well-prepared for the 2026 season's commencement.
Jerez, a familiar circuit, provides an ideal setting for testing and validating new components. Lowes emphasizes the importance of favorable weather conditions to maximize the number of laps, with the team aiming to ride for a full day.
Axel Bassani, another Bimota team member, underscores the test's significance, likening it to the one held after the 2025 season's final race. The goal is to conclude the 2025 test with a positive sentiment, gaining insights into areas requiring development focus during the winter break.
The test schedule involves a strategic split of riding duties between test rider Xavi Fores and the two race riders, Lowes and Bassani. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the bike's performance, with Fores taking the lead on Wednesday, followed by the combined efforts of Lowes and Bassani on Thursday.
Roda, a Bimota team member, highlights the test's dual purpose: to assess basic points developed for 2026 advancements with the KB998 Rimini. The plan involves starting with Fores on the first day, followed by the combined efforts of Lowes and Bassani on the second day.
Despite the 10-day test limitation, the team aims to gather valuable data and insights, with Roda expressing confidence in the weather forecast and the potential for impressive lap times, promising an engaging test.
