
WorldSBK: Tito Rabat completes the 2024 grid
Tito Rabat will continue with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team, completing the 2024 grid.
Tito Rabat will remain in the WorldSBK Championship next season, racing for the Kawasaki Puccetti team. It will be his fourth year with the team, filling in as a replacement rider multiple times.
Rabat had a tough 2023 season, joining the team in Misano after the departure of Tom Sykes. He finished 22nd in the standings with a best finish of 11th, riding the factory spec machine for the final round in Jerez.
On top of WorldSBK duties in 2023, Rabat was also a substitute rider for MCAMS Yamaha at Snetterton. He also raced in MotoE in 2023, finishing 14th in the standings and for had an incredibly busy season.
The Puccetti Racing team was created in 1996, founded by Manuel Puccetti at 18 years old. They experienced great success, winning back-to-back titles with Kenan Sofuoglu before making their WorldSBK 2017.
The Spaniard has spent 18 years in the Grand Prix paddock, with great success in Moto2. Rabat has won a total of 13 races in his 18 years, taking the 2014 Moto2 title for Marc VDS. He would later move up to MotoGP with the Marc VDS squad before joining the Reale Avintia in 2018.
Rabat said: “I’m very happy to have come to an agreement that allows me to stay with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing. I’ve always had a great relationship with Manuel and the entire team.
“In the past, I’ve been called upon to stand in once the season’s been underway, so I’m sure that if I can take part in winter testing and all the races, our results will be better than what we’ve achieved to date. I expect an even more competitive bike and so can’t wait to start my 2024 season!”
Team Principal, Manuel Puccetti added: “It is with great pleasure that we announce our agreement with Tito Rabat for the 2024 WorldSBK season. We’re very happy to continue to build on this collaboration with such a talented and professional rider, with whom our entire team immediately got on well.
“Up until now, Rabat has stood in for other riders, without having the chance to complete testing together and so we’re pleased to be able to run an entire season with him in 2024.
“Our preparation will involve winter tests in January, at both Jerez and Portimao, where Tito will be able to build confidence with a Ninja. It will be even more competitive than the 2023 machine, also thanks to updates resulting from concession parts. Our goal will be to regular top ten finishes.”
Image credit: Puccetti Racing