The 2024 WorldSBK calendar sees a home round for the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team followed immediately by a home round for rider Bradley Ray.
This weekend sees Sandro Carusi's team and rider compete in the fifth World Superbike round taking place at Donington Park in the UK. Ray knows the track well, having raced there many times in the past, and together with his team he will do his best to turn his season around. To date, there has been something of a shortage of results, despite the best efforts of the team's technicians and the young English rider.
A technical and challenging track that holds no secrets for Bradley, but the weather may play a part of course, often variable and wet in the UK.
The Donington Park circuit was inaugurated in 1931. Closed due to the two world wars, it didn't host motorcycle races again until 1977. It was at this track that the very first WorldSBK round took place on 3 April 1988. The track currently measures 4023 metres with 12 turns, of which seven right handers and five left. Over the years it has undergone modifications, the last of which in 1985, when the section behind the paddock was added. Known as the Melbourne Loop, this stretch has often seen crashes that have decided the race result. The entire track was recently resurfaced.
"The Donington round is a home race for Bradley, and I hope that at this track, one he knows so well, he is able to score a good result. I'm sure that the support of his many fans will help to spur him on.
“I'm very excited for my home round at Donington Park this weekend! After having made a little progress during the Misano races, I can't wait to race at a track I know so well and where I know how the bike needs to be prepared to be competitive. We hope the British weather is kind and that we can run a consistent weekend and score solid results."
