The 2024 World Superbike season kicked off last weekend at Phillip Island, and the rookie riders in the category made a good impression – with Nicolò Bulega standing out the most, securing a victory in his debut.
Nicolò Bulega: 1st Race 1 / 5th Superpole Race and Race 2 – 2nd in the championship
Bulega (Aruba.it Ducati) was undoubtedly the best rookie in Australia. The reigning Supersport world champion from last year took pole position and won the first race with the fastest lap. The Superpole race and the second main race showed that there is still a natural learning curve, but Bulega left the impression that he could fight for the title. He is currently second in the championship, nine points behind the leader, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki).
Andrea Iannone: 3rd Race 1 / 14th Superpole Race / 4th Race 2 – 4th in the championship
After a four-year suspension, Andrea Iannone finally returned to the tracks. The Team GoEleven Italian entered the WSBK in good shape, a category in which he is an absolute newcomer: he secured a front row start in the Superpole race and finished third in the first race, battling for the podium in the second race until the end – ultimately finishing fourth. The Superpole race was less positive, suffering setbacks that relegated him to 14th place. He is currently fourth in the championship.
Sam Lowes: 13th Race 1 / 8th Superpole Race / 7th Race 2 – 11th in the championship
Another newcomer to the WSBK in 2024 is Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS/Ducati). Coming from several seasons in Moto2 with the Belgian team – also a newcomer – he showed progress at Phillip Island. In fact, he improved his race result from race to race, culminating in seventh place in the second main race. A promising start for Lowes, who left Australia in 11th position in the championship.
Tarran Mackenzie: 19th Race 1 / Retirement in Superpole Race / 18th Race 2 – Not classified in the championship
Tarran Mackenzie’s debut in the WSBK was far from ideal. The Petronas MIE Racing Honda rider couldn’t distance himself from the battle at the back of the pack, was far from the front, and even retired in the Superpole race. Without scoring points, he is not classified in the championship.
Adam Norrodin: 20th Race 1 and Superpole Race / 19th Race 2 – Not classified in the championship
The other Petronas MIE Racing Honda rider didn’t have much better luck. Norrodin was unable to fight for points and finished last in all races. A tough and forgettable weekend for the Malaysian, who also has no points and no classification assigned.