This upcoming weekend, the seventh round of the FIM Supersport World Championship will take place at Donington Park. The 2025 season is now officially at its halfway mark, with Stefano Manzi leading the championship by 47 points over his closest rival. Of the twelve races held so far, the Italian has won four and has only missed the podium three times.

The World Superbike Championship returns to the track where it all began back in 1988. Donington Park is 4.023 kilometers long, featuring seven right-hand corners and five left-hand corners. Combined with significant elevation changes, this circuit presents a major challenge for both rider and machine. Stefano Manzi has already stood on the podium twice at Donington Park with Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing, though a victory at the British circuit still eludes him.

For Yuki Okamoto, like many other European tracks, this will be his first time racing at Donington Park. The Japanese rider has shown clear progress in recent race weekends but will have to start from scratch again on this historic circuit.

Stefano Manzi:
“I am happy that we get to go racing again this week. Last week we had a test in Assen and I am very happy with the work that we were able to do. It was very special to have this track all for myself and ride there for a couple of hours. Now we focus on Donington Park, which is a track that I like. The last few years our results weren’t great, but it’s a new opportunity this week so we go there with a good mindset. As always, we will do our very best.”

Yuki Okamoto:
“I have waited a month since Misano but now we finally get to race again. I have been training in Japan in preparation for the Donington round. It will be the first time for me to ride there but I have done a lot of homework in order to prepare myself in the best way possible. I am looking forward to get back to work with the team.”

Kervin Bos – Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing team manager:
“We are ready for the race weekend at Donington Park, a circuit we enjoy coming to because of its beautiful layout and the many fans that are always present. We also get to welcome a lot of guests there. Last week we had a private test at the TT Circuit Assen with Stefano, which helped him find a very strong rhythm. Yuki is returning from Japan, and it will be his first time at Donington Park. We are ready to go racing again.”

This weekend, a revised event schedule will be in place, and there’s a one-hour time difference between the Netherlands and the UK.

• Friday kicks off with Free Practice in the morning, followed by the Superpole session at 16:00 local time (17:00 CET).
• On Saturday morning, riders will have a warm up session before Race 1 starts at 13:35 local time (14:35 CET).
• Sunday morning also begins with a warm up, with Race 2 starting at 15:15 local time (16:15 CET).