Crash.Net’s Top 10 WorldSBK Riders of 2021: 6th Axel Bassani

Coming in at sixth on our top ten WorldSBK riders of 2021 is rookie sensation Axel Bassani who finished three spots lower down in the official championship standings. 

Bassani, who is currently the youngest rider in WorldSBK, was one of the series’ better rookie riders of recent years, as was fellow newbie for 2021 Andrea Locatelli.

Bassani had two traits that for us at Crash.Net make him worthy of being sixth on this list, those being his consistency and a lack of mistakes. 

The young Italian finished all-but two races throughout the season - had just four crashes for the entire campaign - while also scoring points in 34 out of the 35 races he finished.

Although WorldSBK has not always had the depth in talent of MotoGP, that was an area which took a big step forward in 2021, which only enhances Bassani’s achievement. 

While his first few points finishes consisted mainly of 14th and 11th place results, Bassani broke through with a treble of ten tens at his home round in Misano (round three).

The 22 year-old’s real breakthrough came at the opening race in Catalunya though, a race in which he claimed a maiden podium. 

Bassani’s second place in the wet was very nearly a win, however, the experienced Scott Redding came by late on to clinch victory. 

Bassani’s first WorldSBK podium then began a run of 12 consecutive top ten results, with only the final race in Mandalika halting that run.

Even then, it was an unlucky race retirement as opposed to a poor performance for Bassani as he suffered a crash following contact with Michael van Der Mark whilst battling for another podium. 

Bassani 2021 stats: 

Championship Finish: 9th

Points: 210

Wins: 0

Podiums: 1

Pole Positions: 0

Top Ten Results: 24

Points Scores: 34

Front Row Starts: 0

Overall crash total: 4

Non-Finishes: 2

Races: 37