Between UK and Poland, aiming high: Let's meet Filip Surowiak

Palmen in Motorradsport always keeps an eye on young rising stars who make their way into motorcycle racing, aiming to reach one day the highest level of this sport (either MotoGP or WorldSBK). This is also the case of Filip Surowiak.

Born in 2008, Surowiak has gained valuable experience in the British Talent Cup during the last few years, and 2025 saw him battling for the title until the very end together with City Lifting/RS Racing Team. He finally finished second behind his rival Ryan Frost, but he definitely left his mark by winning seven races and achieving multiple further podium finishes. Besides that, Surowiak also participated in one round of the Northern Talent Cup: he was forced to sit out of the round at Sachsenring due to an injury, but he could finally recover for the race weekend in Brno, where he has some bad luck, but fought for top positions.

Palmen in Motorradsport had the chance to sit and chat with Filip Surowiak to find out more on his story. The interview dates back to July 2025, but still brings interesting insights on the promising "Pole-Brit" rider, as he is working his way to MotoGP.

Filip, the 2025 season is an important one for you, as you are in the front in the British Talent Cup. How is it going?

Overall, it’s going well. My season in the British Talent Cup has been great. I’m currently second in the championship and I’ve won every race that I’ve finished, four out of six.

I imagine your goal is to win the title, right?

Yes, also because it's my fourth year in the series and I know everything very well. I want to fight for the title and if everything goes well, hopefully I can move on to something higher like the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup or JuniorGP (he finally finished in second place behind Ryan Frost, ed).

You also raced in the Northern Talent Cup in Brno. How was it?

It’s been a great experience. We were slightly on the back foot because I crashed at Assen a week before the German GP and fractured my hand and foot, which prevented me from racing at Sachsenring. I still feel some pain, but in Brno I passed the medical check and was fit to ride. The paddock here with MotoGP is incredible, the staff and riders are great. And the sessions went well. I qualified seventh, which I’m really happy about, especially in mixed conditions.

What’s the main difference between BTC and NTC?

In the British Talent Cup, we use Dunlops, which are less grippy but more durable. The Pirellis have incredible grip for about five laps, then they start to drop. I like the Pirelli because it gives more feedback, you can feel the tyre moving and working.

How have your seasons in the British Talent Cup shaped you as a rider and a person?

I’ve learned that no matter how fast you are, you must keep working. Even when you’re first, the job isn’t done, there’s always someone faster somewhere. I’ve also learned to manage races better. At Silverstone and Snetterton, I crashed out of the lead with a big gap, so I’ve realized you don’t need to win every race by a large margin. Sometimes you just need to control the race.

Let’s talk about your career. Where does your passion for motorcycle racing come from?

When I was five, I started riding a small motocross bike in Poland. My dad and mum both rode for fun, so I was always around bikes. For my sixth birthday, I got a bigger motocross bike and kept riding. Later, when we moved to England, I started racing in FAB Racing on a 50cc two-stroke machine. After one year, I moved up to the 70cc class, finished third, and then went straight into the British Talent Cup.

So you went from 70cc directly to a standard Moto3 bike? That's a big step!

Exactly. It was a big one for me, also compared to what most riders do. Now many young riders go to Spain first to race in Moto4 or other championships, which helps make that transition easier.

You mentioned that you started with motocross. Why did you move to road racing?

I didn’t race motocross seriously, it was just for fun. Once, in Poland, we put slick tyres on the motocross bike, and I l just loved it. That led us to buy a 50cc race bike and since I enjoyed it even more, we continued with road racing.

You have Polish roots but live in the UK. Can you share more about that?

Both my parents are from Poland, but I was born in England. I’m half and half: I speak Polish and English, and both countries are important to me. All my family is there apart from me and my parents. It’s hard with racing and training, but I visit when I can. Brno is only three hours from my hometown, so I was able to see my family before racing there.

You race with the British flag. Would you ever consider representing Poland?

I’d represent both countries if I could, but since I have to choose, I prefer the UK. The main reason is that I get more support from the UK than from Poland, and that’s what matters most right now.  

How is your life outside racing?

When it comes to education, I finished my GCSE exams earlier this year. Besides that, I love cycling and running. Cycling especially helps me relax: I can ride for hours in the mountains and that helps me reset my mind.

Do you have any other interests outside motorcycle racing?

I like watching speedway. Polish riders are really strong in it, and I have friends who race. Sometimes I go to watch it in Oxford or Sheffield.

Have you ever tried speedway yourself?

No. Those bikes have no brakes, it's only about throttle and turning, and that scares a bit to be honest.

Who are your favourite riders?

In MotoGP, it's Marc Márquez. His mentality and strength, especially after injuries, are incredible. I also like Arón Canet for his mental toughness and work ethic. Moreover, I admire David Alonso and Diogo Moreira as well, as they are both improving very quickly.

Have you met any MotoGP riders during your race weekends?

I’ve seen many around the paddock and been inside the KTM and Yamaha boxes a few times, but I haven’t really spoken with them. I sometimes see Pedro Acosta when I train in Spain, but we haven’t talked much. The riders are very busy during a race weekend, so it's difficult to talk to them.

Finally, is there anyone you’d like to thank for supporting your racing career?

Definitely. I’d like to thank my sponsors B&K, Simpatico, and others who make this possible. Then I want to thank my parents, my coach Matt, my mechanic Grant, my family in Poland and the fans in England. More in general. I am very grateful to everyone who supports me.

Palmen in Motorradsport thanks Filip Surowiak for his time, and wishes him the best for the next seasons.