FS-3 Racing Signing Max Cook and Joe Talbot for the AJN Steelstock Bimota – Interesting Pairing!

Right then — FS-3 Racing have finally lifted the lid on their 2024 lineup, and it’s a tasty one. Max Cook returns for his fourth consecutive season, and joining him for the first time in the Superbike class is none other than Joe Talbot. And if you’ve followed the BSB feeder series at all, you’ll know this is a seriously interesting pairing.

Let’s break it down.

Max Cook – Mr. Consistency Returns

Cook staying with FS-3 for year number four says a lot. Teams don’t keep riders around that long unless:

• they trust them

• they’re developing well

• and they’re delivering the right feedback

Cook’s journey has been steady, calculated, and very un-flashy — and I mean that as a compliment. He’s the sort of rider who doesn’t just twist the throttle and hope for the best. He builds speed methodically, understands the data, listens, adapts, and works with the bike.

On a new project like the AJN Steelstock Bimota, having that stability is crucial. FS-3 know Cook. Cook knows FS-3. That reduces a huge amount of “new bike chaos”.

If Bimota want to get competitive quickly — Cook is exactly the kind of rider you keep in the programme.

Joe Talbot – The Rookie With Fairytale Potential

Joe Talbot stepping into Superbikes is very exciting.

The kid has been rapid in every class he’s touched. He’s got that proper racer's blend of aggression and racecraft, and unlike some riders jumping up to the big class, he doesn’t ride like he’s got something to prove every single corner. He rides smart, picks his battles, and has a real instinct for momentum.

For FS-3, this is a gamble — but a smart one.

Talbot has nothing to lose, everything to gain, and he’s joining a team famous for developing young talent. Remember, FS-3 aren’t the flashy factory squad with bottomless budgets. They graft. They build. They nurture riders.

Perfect environment for him.

But Let’s Talk About the Bimota Factor…

The AJN Steelstock Bimota still raises eyebrows across the paddock.

Bimota haven’t exactly been a major force in modern mainstream racing, so the obvious question is:

“Why would Cook and Talbot sign up for something so unproven?”

Simple — opportunity.

When a manufacturer is developing a new platform, being part of that early evolution gives riders more say, more influence, and more visibility. If this Bimota turns out to be a weapon, Cook and Talbot get the credit. If it takes a season to dial in, they still gain invaluable experience helping to build a competitive Superbike from the ground up.

And honestly, the Bimota project is one of the most intriguing things in BSB right now. It’s either going to become a surprise contender… or it’s going to teach everyone some very expensive lessons.

Either way, it’ll be entertaining.

My Take

For me, this is a perfect blend:

• Cook = continuity + data + experience with the team

• Talbot = fresh talent + hunger + unpredictability

If the Bimota makes the jump the team think it can, this pairing could upset a few established names.

And even if it doesn’t? Cook will extract the maximum from it, and Talbot will learn more in one season of Superbikes than he ever could staying in a lower class.

This is a long game move — and FS-3 Racing are playing it well.

What do you think?

Is Cook the safe bet? Will Talbot shock the grid?Is the Bimota project mad genius or beautifully chaotic?