SBK | GP Donington Park: Lorenzo Baldassarri picks up valuable points in England and strengthens his position in the World Superbike Championship

The eighth round of the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship at the historic Donington Park circuit ended on a positive note for Lorenzo Baldassarri and the GoEleven team. Arriving in the United Kingdom determined to continue his climb up the standings, the Italian rider once again demonstrated his competitiveness on one of the most iconic and demanding circuits on the calendar. The weekend also proved significant for Ducati, which secured the Manufacturers’ World Championship, while Baldassarri collected valuable points to consolidate seventh place overall and remain firmly in contention for both the overall top five and the Independents’ title fight.

Donington Park, the venue where the Superbike World Championship was born back in 1988, has always been regarded as one of the most technical and spectacular tracks on the calendar. Before the event, Lorenzo looked forward to returning to the English circuit, recalling his first experience there in 2022 while racing in Supersport. Fresh from an exciting appearance in the Lenovo Race of Champions during the World Ducati Week, he was confident that the Ducati Panigale V4R would allow him to fight near the front and make the most of a circuit that demands both precision and physical endurance.

That confidence quickly translated into results. Baldassarri was fast from the opening free practice sessions and qualified in an excellent sixth position, just a few tenths away from pole. In Race 1, he maintained a strong pace throughout the race to secure sixth place, before repeating another solid performance in Sunday morning’s Superpole Race, where he earned additional championship points and secured a second-row start for Race 2. Although the final race began with an unfortunate start that cost him several positions, Lorenzo produced an impressive comeback, overtaking Xavi Vierge on the final lap to cross the line in eighth place.

One of the highlights of the weekend was his battle with Alex Lowes during the opening race, where Baldassarri managed to finish ahead of the Bimota rider and place the sixth Ducati inside the top six. The 22 points collected over the weekend leave him firmly seventh in the championship standings, only a handful of points away from the top five, while also strengthening his third position in the Independents’ standings. With one third of the season still to be contested, both Lorenzo and the GoEleven team remain determined to fight for every possible point until the end of the championship.

The Superbike World Championship now heads into its summer break before returning in September for two consecutive rounds. The next event will take place at Magny-Cours, France, from 4–6 September, followed by the Italian round at Cremona from 25–27 September. Fans can continue following Lorenzo Baldassarri through his official social channels 7balda (Instagram) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Facebook), as well as on worldsbk.com. Live and on-demand coverage will be available on worldsbk.com, Sky Sport, NOWtv and TV8.