The 2023 World Superbike grid had six newcomers to the category. Although there were some big names with experience, the truth is that everyone started from scratch. Here’s a little more about each one’s season.
Danilo Petrucci: difficult start, but good finish
The Italian was on track with the Barni Spark Racing Team and was one of the standout rookies. After a year in the United States, racing in MotoAmerica, the start of the season proved tough, but the round at Misano turned the tables on the Italian, with a fight for the podium. A third place at Donington Park followed, with Most being another competitive weekend, with two podiums.
Petrux was seventh in the championship, and had a growing end to the season.
Dominique Aegerter: after the WSSP title, he continued to make history
After his titles in SuperSport, Aegerter earned his call-up to Superbikes with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. He had an impressive debut in Australia, almost on the podium, but later suffered accidents and injuries that marked part of his season. The double podium in Jerez was one of the highlights of the year.
The Swiss was eighth in the championship.
Remy Gardner: good indications and on the doorstep of the podium in races
Like his teammate Aegerter in the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, Gardner had a very positive end to the season, but before that, in the middle, he fought for the top ten in Most.
Fourth place at the end of the season was his best – in race 2 at Jerez – with the Australian, a former MotoGP rider, ending the year ninth in the standings.
Stay tuned for part two, featuring Lorenzo Baldassarri, Bradley Ray and Eric Granado.