The youngest regular rider in the WorldSBK field at 22, Axel Bassani and his MotoCorsa team have been a big hit in 2021, but his three top five finishes in the Villicum races, after a front row qualification in Superpole were another new high.

He is much more than a baby-faced points assassin, that much is clear. Second in the wet at Barcelona in race one remains his single best result but San Juan delivered his best weekend, as he mixed it up with the modern day greats of the sport - on his very first visit.

“I’m very, very happy for the weekend,” grinned the chilled-out Bassani, who has already raced in what are effectively four world championship classes already, at one time or another - Stock 600, Stock 1000, WorldSSP and Moto2.

“I’m happy for the work we did with the team; it’s an amazing weekend for me,” the Ducati rider continued. “I had the possibility to learn a lot of things from the other guys, particularly from Scott, Johnny and Toprak. They are the best riders in World Superbike at this moment, so it’s incredible to be there. I’m very happy.”

A podium in the final race looked possible as he gave especially Rea and Redding a hard time, but it was not quite to be - just 1.5 seconds behind Razgatlioglu. But he learned how to maybe make that step up in the dry races next time out.

“In the first part of the race, I tried to overtake, but it’s very difficult,” he said. “It’s not impossible. Now, I know it’s possible to do that, and I try to replay this result in the next races.”

And for a season-ending big finish at an all-new track in Indonesia?
“For me it’s the top five, and if it’s possible, take a podium. The track is a very good thing. It’s a new track for all. This for me is very important. We’ll see what happens when we are there.”

Bassani is currently ninth overall and top rookie not on a factory bike.