Xavi Vierge abandons WorldSBK race in Jerez after Yamaha motorcycle fire

During the first race of the WorldSBK round in Jerez, Spanish rider Xavi Vierge was forced to abandon the race after his Yamaha YZF R1 caught fire on the main straight. Following a detonation near the engine, flames erupted from the motorcycle, prompting Vierge to immobilize the bike and move to safety before marshals controlled the fire. The incident occurred during Vierge’s final racing weekend with Yamaha before his move to Barni Ducati.

In the same race, Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira also abandoned the competition due to technical issues with his BMW M 1000 RR. Nico Bulega secured the victory, marking his 50th career win in the Superbike championship and setting a record as the fastest rider to reach that milestone, achieving it in 106 races. Bulega extended his championship lead, while Iker Lecuona finished on the podium in second place.