On his Italian-built KB998 Rimini machine, Axel would prove to be the fifth fastest rider overall on day one, and third quickest in Free Practice Two. Alex was ninth quickest overall on Friday, having set his fastest time in the cooler morning conditions of FP1.

This was the first time the new-for-2025 bimota KB998 Rimini WorldSBK machine had lapped the Cremona Circuit, making it a particularly positive early outcome for both Axel and Alex.

In general, Cremona provided a very hot and intense working environment for all inside the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team on day one. Track temperatures increased significantly from FP1 to FP2, with almost 50°C registered as the official track temperature at the start of FP2.

Right at the end of the second free practice session, Bassani was to get caught out at the tight final turn, losing the front mid-corner and having a fall, which he escaped without injury.

Now Alex and Axel will prepare to take on Saturday’s FP3 session at this unique stadium-style 3.768km long circuit in Northern Italy, followed shortly afterwards by Superpole qualifying. After Superpole, on Saturday afternoon, there will be the first of two 23-lap WorldSBK races. The Cremona weekend action ends with a ten-lap Superpole race and a final Race Two, on Sunday 4 May.

Axel Bassani stated: “Like Assen, this is one of the circuits that we have not tested at before. At the moment things are going positively and it is always good to start well on a race weekend. Our race pace is also good and I am happier to do that than to set only some fast laps. I did not do a real fast one because during the last lap, when I tried to improve my time, I crashed. But, it is OK, because I did a 1’29.6 on lap 11 or 12, so I am happy with the feeling I have with the bike now.”

Alex Lowes stated: “That was a hot one today and I think the track temperature got into the 50°C range this afternoon. That was a new experience for us on the bimota KB998 Rimini. We did a long run this afternoon and we tried something on the set-up of the bike. I missed a bit of feeling, especially entering the corners. But we have a lot of data now after this first day on the bike in these conditions. With all this information we will be able to make more forward steps tomorrow. Physically, I was feeling good and I think that puts us in a positive position for Saturday.”