Once again, the BbKRT squad had the chance to share track time with most of their 2026 rivals, but the ambient and track surface conditions were even less advantageous than those experienced the previous week at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto in Spain. High winds were also in evidence during the Portimao test.

The rains stopped for a period of time on the first day but the track surface never truly dried out, which prevented full dry weather testing of new settings and parts. Given the conditions, and with the new season just a few weeks away, neither 2026 contracted rider went out on track at Portimao. Fores worked hard in all conditions to help as far as possible with the overall development plan for the KB998 Rimini.

The next pre-season milestone for the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team will be the official launch, at the team’s headquarters near Barcelona, on Tuesday 3 February.

There will be one final pre-season test at Phillip Island in Australia, between 16-17 February. The new FIM Superbike World Championship will have its first race weekend at the same venue, between 20-22 February.

2026 will be the second year of WorldSBK participation for BbKRT and the KB998 Rimini.

Alex Lowes, stated: “Xavi Fores and the guys have been working really hard to improve the bike for rain conditions. All of the team is working together well, so thank you to everyone for the effort. From my side, we didn't get good enough conditions to make any laps, so it was a slightly frustrating trip down to Portimão. We will head to Australia optimistic about the improvements we've made over the winter, and work through some items during the two-day test at Phillip Island to be ready for Round One. For now, I have the team launch to look forward to next week and seeing the 2026 team colours.”

Axel Bassani, stated: “I did not set any laps at Portimao so I cannot comment on the bike or the work we did. Xavi worked really hard in really bad weather conditions, so thanks to him for testing for us. In the end, we will head to Australia with everyone on the same level. No one has tested a lot, just a little under rainy conditions. We will have a very busy two days of official testing in Australia because there will be a lot of work to do and a lot of items to try. We will do our best to find the best solution for the first round of the year.”

Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “I have not much to say as it has been raining in Portimao, and also very windy, so Alex did not make any laps. Also, because we have Xavi Fores, who is a very good test rider, who gives us very good information. We were working mainly with electronics, and we gained some information in wet conditions. We are now looking forward to going to Australia for the official tests and then the first race of the season. We feel happy and are all looking forward to going there.”

Uri Pallares, Crew Chief for Axel Bassani, stated: “The weather has been challenging again, so we have not been so lucky at Jerez or here in Portimao. But fortunately, we have a very good test rider in Xavi Fores. We had the chance to use these couple of days to make some very interesting observations, particularly in the electronics area. But we have also been improving, working and learning more about the performance of the bimota KB998 Rimini. On the final morning, we made a good step forward in terms of wet set-up. We are now really looking forward to going to Phillip Island to start the season with our main riders, and good feelings, to be fair.”