Before the race action got underway the KRT riding duo took part in Superpole qualifying. Alex lined up fourth, for a second row grid start, while Axel was 11th, meaning he started from the fourth row of the grid.

In hot and humid conditions, with air temperature at 29°C and track temperatures of 44°C it was going to be a long and stamina-sapping 21-lap race for all. Lowes stuck to the front group in confident fashion and would pass early leader Remy Gardner to consolidate his eventual fifth place.

Bassani ended the opening race in the same 11th position he finished up in after Superpole, only losing a potential top ten place in the final few laps. He felt most confident at the beginning of the race as he could stay in contention with some of the leading riders, only to lose pace as the race concluded and his tyre grip reduced.

Now Axel and Alex will face the ten-lap Tissot-Superpole race and a final full distance Race Two at Misano on Sunday 16 June.

Alex Lowes, stated: “We had a solid race. We know this track in these conditions can show some of our weakest points but I managed a lot more consistent race here than in the past. We are missing a little bit of feeling on the front and have a few areas to improve for tomorrow. More with the front, and especially when on the power - which is a little bit different from normal. But we had a solid race today, a solid effort, a good Superpole qualifying and we just need to work on a few areas to be ready for tomorrow.”  

Axel Bassani, stated: “That was difficult today. We tried to push but the position at the moment is always the same, even though we are trying to improve. The first half of the race was quite good. I was having fun staying with the first few riders. After half race distance I started to be in trouble with the rear and then also with the front, which was always closing. I tried to manage things to arrive at the end inside the top ten but the last laps were too slow. It is difficult to race like this but the team is working hard to try to improve the bike, and the feeling with me on the bike. I hope to find something for tomorrow.”

Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) qualified a really strong tenth in Superpole, and was on his way to finishing 12th in the race until he fell near the end and dropped to an eventual 19th.

2024 KRT Rider WorldSBK Statistics

Alex Lowes:
2024: Races: 10, Wins 2, Podiums 3, Superpoles 0
Career Race Wins: 4 (3 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 37 (17 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 1 (0 for Kawasaki)

Axel Bassani:
2024: Races: 10, Wins 0, Podiums 0, Superpoles 0
Career Race Wins: 0 (0 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 6 (0 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 0 (0 for Kawasaki)

8 x Riders’ Championships (Scott Russell 1993, Tom Sykes 2013, Jonathan Rea 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020), 1 x EVO Riders’ Championship (David Salom 2014)
6 x Manufacturers’ Championships (Ninja ZX-10R 2015 & 2016, Ninja ZX-10RR 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020)
5 x Teams’ Championships (KRT/Provec Racing 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019)

Kawasaki FIM Superbike World Championship Statistics
Total Kawasaki Race Wins: 180 – second overall
Total Kawasaki Podiums: 545 – second overall
Total Kawasaki Poles: 108 – second overall

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