Danilo Petrucci, a BMW WorldSBK rider, has identified two unexpected contenders for the podium at the Australian WorldSBK, both riding for the same surprise manufacturer. While Ducati and Nicolo Bulega are expected to dominate the race, with Bulega topping all four sessions and having a strong record at Phillip Island, Petrucci believes there are still two spots up for grabs. Among the Ducati riders, Sam Lowes is a strong contender, but Petrucci highlights the Bimota KB998s of Axel Bassani and Alex Lowes as potential podium fighters. These Italian bikes, powered by Kawasaki, are not only quick on the laps but also show significant straight-line speed improvements, with Alex Lowes matching Bulega's speed in the traps. Danilo Petrucci expresses surprise at the performance of these two riders, noting their speed and consistency compared to last season. He also acknowledges the strong showing of his compatriots, Baldassarri and Montella, who finished in the top four. The article invites readers to share their thoughts on these surprising contenders and the potential impact on the race dynamics.
