The WorldSBK Championship is set to witness a familiar face in the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team for the 2027 season. Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani, the current duo representing the Italian manufacturer, have renewed their contracts, solidifying their roles as the face of Bimota's project since its return to the Championship in 2025. This extension marks a significant milestone for both riders and the team, as they embark on a journey towards a more competitive and promising future.
A Successful Partnership
Lowes and Bassani's association with Bimota has been nothing short of remarkable. The British rider, Alex Lowes, made his mark with Provec Racing in 2020, winning at Phillip Island in his debut season. His success continued over the next three seasons with Kawasaki, accumulating 10 podiums. However, it was in 2024 that Lowes truly broke through, securing two wins and 12 podiums, finishing fourth in the Championship. This momentum carried over into the 2025 season, where Bimota made its grand return. Lowes led the way at Donington Park and secured four podiums, showcasing his adaptability and prowess on the track.
Bassani, on the other hand, began his WorldSBK journey with Motocorsa Racing in 2021, claiming his first podium in his rookie season. He consistently delivered strong performances, adding five more podiums over the next two seasons. In 2024, Bassani joined the factory team as a Kawasaki rider but faced challenges with the ZX-10RR machine. A significant improvement came in 2025 when he switched to the KB998 Rimini, although he couldn't match his teammate's success. Nonetheless, Bassani's renewal signifies a positive trajectory for the team.
A Family Feeling and a Global Enterprise
Discussing his renewed contract, Lowes expressed his passion for the project, emphasizing the family-like atmosphere within the team. He believes in the potential of Bimota and is dedicated to developing the bike on track while supporting the brand's growth in racing and road bike production. The encouragement from fans and the input from Bimota's factory and Kawasaki in Japan further fuel his motivation. Lowes' enthusiasm is infectious, and his commitment to the project is a testament to its appeal.
Bassani, in his own words, highlighted the positive changes within the team and the growth they've experienced. He views the decision to continue as a strategic move, acknowledging the potential for further development. The team's ability to adapt and refine their approach is a key strength, as they strive for continuous improvement.
A Dream Team for 2027
The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team's manager, Guim Roda, expressed pride in the renewal of both Lowes and Bassani's contracts. He believes that their performance and commitment are essential for the team's progress. Roda acknowledges the complexity of the Championship, starting from a production-based motorcycle, and the challenges manufacturers face in adapting road-bike philosophies. The team's focus is on extracting the maximum potential from the production motorcycle while contributing innovative solutions to the road bike.
Pierluigi Marconi, Bimota's Chief Operating Officer, shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a winning combination of machine, rider, and team. With Lowes and Bassani as part of the 2027 project, Bimota believes it has assembled a 'dream team' capable of achieving success on the racetrack and in the showroom. This optimism sets the stage for a highly competitive and exciting season ahead.
As the WorldSBK Championship moves forward, the extension of Lowes and Bassani's contracts brings a sense of continuity and promise. Their dedication, combined with Bimota's vision, positions the team for a bright future, where success on the track and in the market will be the ultimate goal.
