Rookie standout Axel Bassani sticks with Motocorsa Ducati for 2022 WorldSBK

Axel Bassani will remain with Motocorsa Ducati for the 2022 WorldSBK Championship after his standout rookie campaign in 2021 delivered a surprise podium and several high-profile results.

Stepping up from the CIV Superbike Championship and WorldSSP Championship, though Bassani - the youngest rider on the grid at 21 - began the season as a relative unknown, he was a consistent top ten performer for much of the year.

Landing his first top tens by Round 3 at Misano, Bassani almost snatched a shock victory in the wet in Barcelona - only passed in the closing stages by factory Ducati rider Scott Redding en route to second - before scoring a front row start in Argentina.

Together with a run of four top five finishes from the final five races, Bassani very nearly overhauled Garrett Gerloff on the factory-backed GRT Yamaha for the Independent of the Year title, ending up ninth overall by the conclusion.

"I am happy with the renewal and to be able to continue the work with the Motocorsa team with which I found myself very well. I think it is very positive for our growth path; we have already started working towards 2022 and I hope to confirm and improve last season’s results.

“A special thanks to all my sponsors who allow me to cultivate my dream, to my equipe that follows me from home in preparation in addition to my family.”

As well as being a breakthrough season for Bassani, it was a big step in performance for Motocorsa Racing, which achieved only a handful of points in its maiden 2020 WorldSBK campaign.

“I'm happy with Bassani's confirmation in 2022 with whom we will collaborate trying to repeat the results achieved this season.

“I am optimistic because we will present ourselves at the start of the new season with a good amount of experience and no longer as a rookie team.

“We are already working in our factory located in Lurago d'Erba (Co) Italy, to be ready for the away to a Championship that promises to be at an even higher level.”

Bassani signing brings the number of confirmed entries on the 2022 WorldSBK grid to 21 with possible entries from Orelac Racing, Gil Motorsport and Pedercini still to come.