Bimota KRT WorldSBK 2025 Lowes Bassani KB998 Rimini BBKRT
Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team (BbKRT) has officially launched its highly anticipated entry into the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship, unveiling the cutting-edge Bimota KB998 Rimini at its headquarters in Rimini on February 6.
The unveiling marks Bimota’s return to WorldSBK, combining the Italian brand’s legendary engineering with Kawasaki’s race-winning pedigree. The KB998 Rimini, adorned in a striking new race livery, represents a bold new era for the brand, supported by industry giants including Motul, Showa, and Square Bricks Offices.
A Historic Comeback
Bimota’s return to top-level competition has been years in the making, with Shigemi Tanaka, Chairman and Managing Director of Bimota S.p.A, revealing that the idea of a Bimota-Kawasaki collaboration for WorldSBK had been in discussion since 2019. “The time had come to promote Bimota’s philosophy and brand on a global scale, and WorldSBK was the perfect platform,” Tanaka said.
Chief Operating Officer Pierluigi Marconi echoed the excitement, emphasizing the significance of this return: “After 50 years, we are reviving our history with Kawasaki and Provec. This is an incredible moment for Bimota.”
A Bold Technical Approach
The KB998 Rimini introduces a steel trellis frame—a departure from Kawasaki’s traditional aluminum twin-spar chassis—while utilizing Kawasaki’s proven engine and electronic package. Keiichi Morohara, Kawasaki Racing Plan Manager, noted that this shift in chassis design is a bold challenge but one they are confident will yield results.
Kawasaki Motors Europe’s Steve Guttridge emphasized the three-rider factory-backed effort, calling it a “landmark season” for Kawasaki. “The BbKRT project is a bold and calculated step, and our goal remains podium finishes at every race,” he said.
Elite Rider Line-Up
BbKRT boasts a formidable duo in Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani. Lowes, confident in the new project, stated: “From the first laps, I’ve felt good. My goal is to build on 2024 and fight for the best results possible.”
Bassani, excited to represent Bimota near his hometown, said: “This is a completely new adventure for everyone. The livery is old-school but fresh, and we hope to deliver strong performances on track.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With a strong technical foundation, elite riders, and a rich racing legacy, BbKRT is set to be a major force in the 2025 WorldSBK season. The team will debut in competition at the season-opening round in just two weeks, ready to make its mark on the championship.
