Portimao WorldSBK: Axel Bassani confirms Motocorsa exit, set to join Kawasaki

Axel Bassani is one step closer to becoming a factory WorldSBK rider after confirming his exit from Motocorsa Ducati.
Axel Bassani, Ducati WorldSBK Portimao 2023
Axel Bassani, Ducati WorldSBK Portimao 2023

With the Italian outfit for three seasons, Bassani is se🍸t to leave in order to join Kawasaki as the replacement for Jonaꩲthan Rea.

Bassani, who is a multiple podium finisher in WorldSBK, is currently fifth in the standings and looks𝕴 set to finish as the top independent ridᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚer for the second consecutive year.

"It was a very painful decisཧion for me to leave Motocorsa which was like a family to me, but it was right to try this experience," said Bassani. "I would like to thank everyone, absolutely everyone on the Motocorsa staff who collaborated with me in this professional exper🍸ience. 

"A special thank you that I truly give from the heart goes to Lorenzo Mauri who believed in me from the first second and thanks to his intuition꧑ we managed to bring the team to the position it currently finds itself in. 

"The entire Motocorsa Racing family will alw🐭ays remain part of my heart."

After being snubbed by Ducati when it came to the factory seat alongside Alvaro Bauti🎃sta, 🍬Bassani’s hopes of becoming a factory rider looked slim before Rea announced his surprise move to Yamaha for 2024.

Bassani’s departure now means one of the best packages on the grid is available, with Michael Rinaldi already being touted as a potentiꦿal option.

Speaking about Bassani’s exit and the team's plans for 2024, Lorenzo🍸 Mauri said: "I am happy for Axel in a factory team as his and our growth has been repaid. He'll be for always in our hearts.꧟ The best memory is the Independent title at Mandalika; some years ago, I wanted to reach a goal like this.

"For 2024, lots of riders have knocked on our door and it’s a very difficult choice. In these past months, we have gone from ten to two possible riders now.&nbs💦p;

"There are two non-Italian riderꦍs and probably, we'll have a𓆏 test day with each of them to understand their feelings and work method. 

"They are young, both different challenges, I believe in both challenges and no𒈔w there is a 50%-50% situation. I can't mention names. 

"The aim is to win the title with Axel as Best Independent, staying calm and focused but I hope to aဣlso win the Independent Teams’ titl꧒e. I like impossible challenges a lot but it's not over. Let's try although we have just one bike."

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