20.04.2026 · KOVE

KOVE 450RR Sets New Lap Record in WorldSPB

At Assen, Beñat Fernández put the KOVE 450RR on top of the timing sheets in Race 2 with a 1'42.190 — a new class lap record in the 2026 FIM Sportbike World Championship.

At Round 2 of the 2026 FIM Sportbike World Championship at TT Circuit Assen, the KOVE Racing Team delivered another important step forward in WorldSPB competition. In a weekend shaped by rain showers, repeated yellow flags and changing race conditions, rider Beñat Fernández put the KOVE 450RR at the top of the timing sheets in Race 2 with a fastest lap of 1'42.190, setting a new lap record for the class at Assen.

1'42.190: Lap record at Assen
P11: Finish in Race 2
+5: Championship points

The result carried added significance given the level of competition on the grid. Lining up as a 450cc machine against larger-displacement rivals including the Suzuki GSX-8R, Aprilia RS 660, Yamaha YZF-R7, Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 and Triumph Daytona 660, the KOVE 450RR showed strong pace through one of the fastest and most technically demanding circuits on the calendar. The lap time underlined not only the competitiveness of KOVE's in-house four-cylinder platform, but also the effectiveness of its race-focused chassis setup under high-speed conditions.

Fernández started Race 2 from P16 and fought his way through the field to finish P11, securing another five championship points for the team. It marked another solid race result as the KOVE 450RR continues to build momentum following the completion of its homologation and points-scoring process. Rider #66 crossed the line in P20 after a one-position penalty for exceeding track limits on the final lap.

For KOVE, the Assen weekend was about more than a single lap time. On a circuit known for its flowing high-speed sections and rhythm-sensitive layout, the 450RR adapted well to the demands of the track, remained competitive throughout the race, and once again demonstrated its ability to run consistently against established international factory entries. Claiming the fastest lap and setting a new class lap record in these circumstances was a clear sign of progress.

The Assen result represents another milestone in KOVE's development on the world stage. As the smallest-displacement machine in the WorldSPB field, the 450RR continues to take on bigger-capacity competitors while proving its pace through real race performance. With points continuing to come and race speed becoming increasingly clear, KOVE moves on from Assen with greater confidence and a stronger foundation for the rounds ahead.