The second WorldSBK round of the 2025 season got underway this morning with free practice at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal.
In sunny, springlike conditions, riders Bahattin Sofuoglu and Tito Rabat were out on track for FP1, a session in which they worked with their technicians on the setup of their Yamaha YZF-R1 bikes. Around the spectacular Portuguese track, the Turkish rider placed eighteenth (1’42”825) while the Spaniard, who suffered a crash during the initial stages, finished twentieth (1’43”899).
In the afternoon’s second session, both improved on their performance. Rabat stopped the clock on 1’42”446 and rounded out free practice in twentieth place, followed by team-mate Sofuoglu, who put in a best of 1’42”464.
Tomorrow the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK riders will be out for Superpole and Race 1
"Day one of practice was challenging but brought its results. Unfortunately, Rabat’s crash in FP1 caused him to lose precious time, but in the afternoon Tito and his team were able to make up for that. Sofuoglu worked well with his technicians and his lap time doesn’t reflect the improvement. For tomorrow I hope both continue along the same path as today.”
“An intense day. In FP1 I crashed without really understanding what happened and then we lost almost the entire session fixing the bike. In the afternoon I found good feeling with the bike and collected a lot of data that will be useful for the races. We did a great job and need to continue on this path to improve further and to be able to fight for a good position in the race.”
“Today we focused first on the electronics and then on the chassis, making good progress, also in terms of the suspension. Unfortunately, another rider hindered me during my flying lap and so we weren’t able to reap the rewards of our hard work. But we’re on the right track to improving in Superpole and completing a solid Race 1. Thanks to the team for all their support.”
