Feature Story
BbKRT Back for the 2026 WorldSBK Season
bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team Launches 2026 WorldSBK Project
bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team riders Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani recently joined VIP guests and key figures from the entire BbKRT project at the team’s headquarters near Barcelona for a special viewing of the team's new documentary. In a cinematically-themed evening the team’s new colors were unveiled In a long-form video documentary, showing the development of the whole BbKRT project, from its earliest days to the start of the second season of full-on FIM Superbike World Championship involvement.
BbKRT’s impactful new color scheme, graphics packages, and riders’ leathers were also introduced on the launch night.
The team concluded a strong first season for the WorldSBK spec bimota KB998 Rimini in the 2025 WorldSBK championship last year, which included four podium finishes for Lowes and both BbKRT riders inside the overall Top 10. The mood is optimistic that even greater heights can be achieved in the second year of the project to create yet more recognition of the bimota brand. In addition, changes in pit-box personnel have been made for the 2026 season, with Uri Pallares now the crew chief for Axel Bassani, while Pere Riba continues in the crew chief role for Alex Lowes.
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Alex Lowes
"Normally the winter is very short and busy for us. We use the time to engage as a full team with our sponsors and partners and reveal our new colors for 2026. We have a years’ worth of data now with this new bimota project, this along with some improvements over the offseason mean we can't wait to get to Phillip Island and start racing. We know as always the challenge ahead of us but we are ready. It's time to have fun and see what we can achieve.”
Axel Bassani
"There is no real rest period in WorldSBK, and to be honest that is what I prefer as I fuel my ambition to podium on the KB998 Rimini. As an Italian, I see it as my duty to give my best to the bimota racing project. BbKRT are making a super strong effort building up to our first race. It’s going to be an epic season, so please join us for the ride.”
Guim Roda
bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team Manager
"The number one target in 2026 is to maximize the resources bimota and Kawasaki gave us. This means we must first make sure everybody is giving 100%. This needs to be done with motivation and a common target for all the staff, partners and sponsors involved. Target number two is to continue with the good feedback we got in 2025 about the market and potential customers interested in bimota machines and the brand itself. It is fascinating to help create this new branding and introduce new bike to the market that can accomplish the wishes and dreams of many fans around the world.”
