Rabat makes WorldSBK return with Puccetti Kawasaki, replaces injured Mahias

After two rounds away, Tito Rabat is back within the World Superbike paddock as he replaces the injured Lucas Mahais at Puccetti Kawasaki. 

It was announced during the Jerez race weekend that Mahias would undergo surgery on a fractured scaphoid, thus missing the rest of the 2021 campaign. 

For Rabat, it’s a return to the series after eight very disappointing rounds.  

The former MotoGP rider lacked any real pace or consistency as the year went on before parting ways with the Barni team post Magny-Cours. 

Rabat walks into the same situation as the man who replaced him, Samuele Cavalieri, who split with his original team Pedercini Kawasaki following round four at Donington Park. 

Ahead of this weekend, Rabat said: "I’m very happy to have this great opportunity. I know the Portimao track as I’ve raced here with the MotoGP and trained at the circuit with a road bike. 

"I hope to have a good weekend, score good results and demonstrate my potential. 

"I want to thank Manuel Puccetti and the whole team for offering me this chance, which I hope to fully exploit."

Rabat has only been confirmed for this weekend’s round at Portimao, not the two rounds after that. However, should it go well, it’s likely the 2014 Moto2 world champion will see out the final two rounds in Argentina and Indonesia.