{"id":2026100,"date":"2026-07-03T11:56:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:56:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026100"},"modified":"2026-07-03T11:56:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:56:20","slug":"not-a-good-championship-former-jonathan-rea-crew-chief-hits-out-at-worldsbk-bop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2026100","title":{"rendered":"\u201cNot a good championship\u201d: Former Jonathan Rea crew chief hits out at WorldSBK BoP"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>\u201cNot a good championship\u201d: Former Jonathan Rea crew chief hits out at WorldSBK BoP<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Former Jonathan Rea crew chief has hit out at the performance balancing rules in WorldSBK that he says have had \u201czero\u201d impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Alex Whitworth <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-07-03T12:56:20+01:00\">03 Jul 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pere Riba, January 2026 Jerez WorldSBK Test, pit box. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Jonathan Rea\u2019s former crew chief, Pere Riba, has criticised WorldSBK\u2019s ineffective performance balancing system, saying it has had \u201czero\u201d effect on the series\u2019 competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Since 2025, WorldSBK has used fuel flow controls to balance the performance of the bike, having used a rev limiting system before that.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ducati has the lowest maximum fuel flow of all the manufacturers, and has the minimum maximum flow permitted by the regulations at present, but has won all the races, anyway, with 1-2s for the factory team in the last 18 races.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pere Riba, 2026 Hungarian WorldSBK, pit box. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Pere Riba, who was Jonathan Rea\u2019s crew chief at Kawasaki during his title years and has been Alex Lowes\u2019 crew chief since Rea\u2019s departure from the Akashi brand, explained in an interview with Italian publication\u00a0<em>Corse di Moto<\/em> (published on 16 June) that the fuel flow method of performance balancing has had no positive impact on the competitiveness of WorldSBK.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThere are two ways to read it,\u201d said Riba. \u201cYou can say \u2018chapeau, you\u2019ve been brilliant, you\u2019re the strongest\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe second [option]: Superbike lives on the concept of balancing performance. I mean balance in general: technical and also non-technical.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e9d8ca1633f5ad1b25a1eac62a761bd1f8e73387b1625f0dc2e888de7b6c4c73\">  Ducati rider \u201cmentally ready to finish fourth\u201d before Misano WorldSBK podium gift   Losing home WorldSBK podium \u201churts\u201d for Axel Bassani: \u201cIt\u2019s part of the game\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe key is the concept: balance. They introduced fuel flow control, but it\u2019s useless \u2013 you can all see it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, the situation is that this kind of balancing doesn\u2019t work. The result has been zero. Today we can only fight to finish behind the Ducatis.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">He added: \u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong, I don\u2019t want to stir controversy. I\u2019m just making two observations: Ducati has done an amazing job, the regulatory balancing doesn\u2019t work.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-51046dd4c4bb613eff6c6d6e4fa9d5eef307b374b5331903db3f8b193e7a0b7f\">  \u201cFantastic\u201d Superpole triggers \u201cpositive\u201d Misano WorldSBK Saturday for Alex Lowes   Alex Lowes breaks key Ducati streak despite Misano WorldSBK yellow flag chaos <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Lowes, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Riba also pointed to the new class in WorldSBK this year, Sportbike, as well as Supersport, as examples of how performance balancing can work well.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe rev limiter wasn\u2019t the perfect system, but it balanced things better than fuel control,\u201d Riba said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI don\u2019t want to get into technical evaluations, but I see that this year they launched Sportbike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI see 400cc bikes racing against 800cc bikes, with different cylinder configurations, projects, and vehicle identities that are very far apart. Yet the races are beautiful, and the same goes for Supersport \u2013 it\u2019s spectacular.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSuperbike is not.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI\u2019m not pointing fingers, I\u2019m just saying that Superbike today is not a good championship.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Changing the rules is complicated by the unanimous vote required from the MSMA members, which Riba also believes is a flawed system.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Lowes chases Lorenzo Baldassarri, 2026 Dutch WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cRight now the rules go through the MSMA, the manufacturers\u2019 association,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe brands involved in Superbike are five, and to change anything you need unanimity. If one vetoes, any change gets rejected.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cFrom my point of view it makes no sense, it\u2019s not smart.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThere should be a more democratic criterion: if three propose changing course and two are against, the majority should prevail.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cInstead, if one party doesn\u2019t like a proposed change, they can stop it. Everything stays frozen, and the result is right in front of us.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI\u2019m not blaming Ducati, or anyone. It\u2019s the structure that doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Jonathan Rea \u201csatisfied\u201d with Honda Suzuka 8 Hours preparation after final test<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Uncertainty for Danilo Petrucci after reported BMW WorldSBK decision<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-0ad83d64d2f1371a3e56e6ef6899f21e8212f6ed24f65c6127d3f03c50266c68\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Alex Whitworth<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Alex joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having covered consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown for two years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-72898ff1c7ef8a66db1e0b0060ea48b1e426b290da1ca78992f3a4e9b8307fc5\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bimota to continue with unchanged WorldSBK line-up in 2027<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1781336149\"> 13\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1316984_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Axel Bassani leads Alex Lowes, 2026 Czech WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bimota certain of \u201cdifficult weekend\u201d at Aragon WorldSBK<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779784102\"> 26\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1316984_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Axel Bassani leads Alex Lowes, 2026 Czech WorldSBK. 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Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Alex Lowes explains curious Bimota WorldSBK testing decision<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779704065\"> 25\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1315789_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Alex Lowes, 2026 Czech WorldSBK, grid. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The core reason behind Axel Bassani\u2019s WorldSBK turnaround in Czechia<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1778951865\"> 16\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1315588_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Axel Bassani, 2026 Czech WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> World Superbikes  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>WorldSBK rider warns \u201cit\u2019s a shame when one manufacturer is dominating\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777129961\"> 25\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Alex Lowes chases Lorenzo Baldassarri, 2026 Dutch WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-e98a4e524051aca608d8bf5dee729e18a52bb3e50dd4eb37d0772729d3848751\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Uncertainty for Danilo Petrucci after reported BMW WorldSBK decision<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783089887\"> 7m ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1315799_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cNot a good championship\u201d: Former Jonathan Rea crew chief hits out at WorldSBK BoP<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783079780\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jonathan Rea \u201csatisfied\u201d with Honda Suzuka 8 Hours preparation after final test<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783004776\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/rea-8h.png?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Danilo Petrucci hopeful of Donington WorldSBK return after one-day test<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1782376644\"> 25\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1314315_hires-1.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1314315_hires-1.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1314315_hires-1.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jake Dixon makes WorldSBK return at private HRC test<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1782288552\"> 24\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/donington-test_jd3-large.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/donington-test_jd3-large.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/donington-test_jd3-large.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c709b7ed42d6c19febc0f191f31b6d628f9dd790604eb6b9684b8482f2930e6e\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Superbike Advocates reveal special livery for Donington WorldSBK<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1782127751\"> 22\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/sbkadv-gbr.png?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/sbkadv-gbr.png?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/sbkadv-gbr.png?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>WorldSBK joins MotoGP in abandoning Phillip Island<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1781853899\"> 19\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-02\/gng_1291509_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-02\/gng_1291509_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-02\/gng_1291509_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>BMW have \u201cutmost respect\u201d for Miguel Oliveira after Misano WorldSBK return<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1781772131\"> 18\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324446_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324446_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324446_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ducati rider \u201cmentally ready to finish fourth\u201d before Misano WorldSBK podium gift<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1781516938\"> 15\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325039_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325039_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325039_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> WSBK  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Iker Lecuona \u201cfrustrated\u201d as Nicolo Bulega remains unbeatable at Misano WorldSBK<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1781515276\"> 15\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325000_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325000_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1325000_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Former Jonathan Rea crew chief has hit out at the performance balancing rules in WorldSBK that he says have had \u201czero\u201d impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Jonathan Rea\u2019s former crew chief, Pere Riba, has criticised WorldSBK\u2019s ineffective performance balancing system, saying it has had \u201czero\u201d effect on the series\u2019 competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Since 2025, WorldSBK has used fuel flow controls to balance the performance of the bike, having used a rev limiting system before that.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ducati has the lowest maximum fuel flow of all the manufacturers, and has the minimum maximum flow permitted by the regulations at present, but has won all the races, anyway, with 1-2s for the factory team in the last 18 races.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pere Riba, 2026 Hungarian WorldSBK, pit box. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Pere Riba, who was Jonathan Rea\u2019s crew chief at Kawasaki during his title years and has been Alex Lowes\u2019 crew chief since Rea\u2019s departure from the Akashi brand, explained in an interview with Italian publication\u00a0<em>Corse di Moto<\/em> (published on 16 June) that the fuel flow method of performance balancing has had no positive impact on the competitiveness of WorldSBK.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThere are two ways to read it,\u201d said Riba. \u201cYou can say \u2018chapeau, you\u2019ve been brilliant, you\u2019re the strongest\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe second [option]: Superbike lives on the concept of balancing performance. I mean balance in general: technical and also non-technical.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e9d8ca1633f5ad1b25a1eac62a761bd1f8e73387b1625f0dc2e888de7b6c4c73\">  Ducati rider \u201cmentally ready to finish fourth\u201d before Misano WorldSBK podium gift   Losing home WorldSBK podium \u201churts\u201d for Axel Bassani: \u201cIt\u2019s part of the game\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe key is the concept: balance. They introduced fuel flow control, but it\u2019s useless \u2013 you can all see it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, the situation is that this kind of balancing doesn\u2019t work. The result has been zero. Today we can only fight to finish behind the Ducatis.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">He added: \u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong, I don\u2019t want to stir controversy. I\u2019m just making two observations: Ducati has done an amazing job, the regulatory balancing doesn\u2019t work.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-51046dd4c4bb613eff6c6d6e4fa9d5eef307b374b5331903db3f8b193e7a0b7f\">  \u201cFantastic\u201d Superpole triggers \u201cpositive\u201d Misano WorldSBK Saturday for Alex Lowes   Alex Lowes breaks key Ducati streak despite Misano WorldSBK yellow flag chaos <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Lowes, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Riba also pointed to the new class in WorldSBK this year, Sportbike, as well as Supersport, as examples of how performance balancing can work well.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe rev limiter wasn\u2019t the perfect system, but it balanced things better than fuel control,\u201d Riba said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI don\u2019t want to get into technical evaluations, but I see that this year they launched Sportbike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI see 400cc bikes racing against 800cc bikes, with different cylinder configurations, projects, and vehicle identities that are very far apart. Yet the races are beautiful, and the same goes for Supersport \u2013 it\u2019s spectacular.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSuperbike is not.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI\u2019m not pointing fingers, I\u2019m just saying that Superbike today is not a good championship.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Changing the rules is complicated by the unanimous vote required from the MSMA members, which Riba also believes is a flawed system.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Lowes chases Lorenzo Baldassarri, 2026 Dutch WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cRight now the rules go through the MSMA, the manufacturers\u2019 association,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe brands involved in Superbike are five, and to change anything you need unanimity. If one vetoes, any change gets rejected.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cFrom my point of view it makes no sense, it\u2019s not smart.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThere should be a more democratic criterion: if three propose changing course and two are against, the majority should prevail.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cInstead, if one party doesn\u2019t like a proposed change, they can stop it. Everything stays frozen, and the result is right in front of us.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI\u2019m not blaming Ducati, or anyone. It\u2019s the structure that doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Jonathan Rea\u2019s former crew chief, Pere Riba, has criticised WorldSBK\u2019s ineffective performance balancing system, saying it has had \u201czero\u201d effect on the series\u2019 competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Since 2025, WorldSBK has used fuel flow controls to balance the performance of the bike, having used a rev limiting system before that.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ducati has the lowest maximum fuel flow of all the manufacturers, and has the minimum maximum flow permitted by the regulations at present, but has won all the races, anyway, with 1-2s for the factory team in the last 18 races.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1250231_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pere Riba, 2026 Hungarian WorldSBK, pit box. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Pere Riba, who was Jonathan Rea\u2019s crew chief at Kawasaki during his title years and has been Alex Lowes\u2019 crew chief since Rea\u2019s departure from the Akashi brand, explained in an interview with Italian publication\u00a0<em>Corse di Moto<\/em> (published on 16 June) that the fuel flow method of performance balancing has had no positive impact on the competitiveness of WorldSBK.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThere are two ways to read it,\u201d said Riba. \u201cYou can say \u2018chapeau, you\u2019ve been brilliant, you\u2019re the strongest\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe second [option]: Superbike lives on the concept of balancing performance. I mean balance in general: technical and also non-technical.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e9d8ca1633f5ad1b25a1eac62a761bd1f8e73387b1625f0dc2e888de7b6c4c73\">  Ducati rider \u201cmentally ready to finish fourth\u201d before Misano WorldSBK podium gift   Losing home WorldSBK podium \u201churts\u201d for Axel Bassani: \u201cIt\u2019s part of the game\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe key is the concept: balance. They introduced fuel flow control, but it\u2019s useless \u2013 you can all see it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSo, the situation is that this kind of balancing doesn\u2019t work. The result has been zero. Today we can only fight to finish behind the Ducatis.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">He added: \u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong, I don\u2019t want to stir controversy. I\u2019m just making two observations: Ducati has done an amazing job, the regulatory balancing doesn\u2019t work.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-51046dd4c4bb613eff6c6d6e4fa9d5eef307b374b5331903db3f8b193e7a0b7f\">  \u201cFantastic\u201d Superpole triggers \u201cpositive\u201d Misano WorldSBK Saturday for Alex Lowes   Alex Lowes breaks key Ducati streak despite Misano WorldSBK yellow flag chaos <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/gng_1324319_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Lowes, 2026 Emilia-Romagna WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Riba also pointed to the new class in WorldSBK this year, Sportbike, as well as Supersport, as examples of how performance balancing can work well.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe rev limiter wasn\u2019t the perfect system, but it balanced things better than fuel control,\u201d Riba said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI don\u2019t want to get into technical evaluations, but I see that this year they launched Sportbike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI see 400cc bikes racing against 800cc bikes, with different cylinder configurations, projects, and vehicle identities that are very far apart. Yet the races are beautiful, and the same goes for Supersport \u2013 it\u2019s spectacular.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cSuperbike is not.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI\u2019m not pointing fingers, I\u2019m just saying that Superbike today is not a good championship.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Changing the rules is complicated by the unanimous vote required from the MSMA members, which Riba also believes is a flawed system.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/gng_1305702_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Lowes chases Lorenzo Baldassarri, 2026 Dutch WorldSBK. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cRight now the rules go through the MSMA, the manufacturers\u2019 association,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe brands involved in Superbike are five, and to change anything you need unanimity. If one vetoes, any change gets rejected.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cFrom my point of view it makes no sense, it\u2019s not smart.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThere should be a more democratic criterion: if three propose changing course and two are against, the majority should prevail.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cInstead, if one party doesn\u2019t like a proposed change, they can stop it. Everything stays frozen, and the result is right in front of us.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI\u2019m not blaming Ducati, or anyone. It\u2019s the structure that doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/wsbk\/news\/1100028\/1\/not-good-championship-former-jonathan-rea-crew-chief-hits-out-worldsbk-bop&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/gng_1287847_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] \u201cNot a good championship\u201d: Former Jonathan Rea crew chief hits out at WorldSBK BoP Former Jonathan Rea crew chief has hit out at the performance balancing rules in WorldSBK that he says have had \u201czero\u201d impact. Alex Whitworth 03 Jul 2026 Share Pere Riba, January 2026 Jerez WorldSBK Test, pit box. Credit: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2026100","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2026100"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2026100\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2026100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2026100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2026100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}