In an equipment sport like motorcycle racing , even in the largely level playing field of the WorldSBK championship , the riders have to have the right level of technical , financial and practical support . That is just a ‘ given ’. For most riders there is , however , one or two people who have occupied the special position as a genuine mentor for their careers - irrespective of who they ride for now . Who have truly mentored their careers . Family members are of course often mentioned in this role , but pivotal career help has come from a wide variety of sources for some of the 2021 WorldSBK riders .