Twenty years after its creation, the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) has become the ultimate competition for motorcycles derived from standard production models and a favourite among motorsports fans worldwide. Originally regarded as the poor relation to the perceivably more glamorous MotoGP championship, WSBK is now revealing its considerable potential. This year, 30 riders or so, and the most prestigious bike manufacturers, will be fighting for the world title.

While MotoGP racing is reserved for prototypes, a Superbike is a machine that, in many aspects, is similar to the one you see in the showroom of your local bike dealer. However, to make sure it reaches impressive speeds, whilst maintaining a high safety level, several modifications are made to the bike following stringent rules. Teams are allowed to modify only some parts of the standard bike : they can improve suspension, brakes, swing arm, diameter and size of the wheels but the main frame has to remain as standard. The restrictions imposed on Superbikes are essential to preserve the uniqueness of this championship and avoids turning it into a competition for prototypes disguised as production bikes.

This year, each manufacturer must produce at least 1000 bikes (500 available for purchase by September and a further 500 before December). Today, all the world’s biggest bike manufacturers take part in WSBK (Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati) and they will be joined by Aprilia, BMW and KTM in the near future.

Thanks to its ever-growing popularity, WSBK continues to attract a great number of extremely talented riders who appreciate the high-level competitiveness of the series. This trend reached a new peak in the 2007 season thanks to the arrival of four-times 250cc world champion and motorsports icon Max Biaggi who, by signing for Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra, proved the high value of WSBK to all sceptics.

As far as the racing is concerned, WSBK relies on a unique format which makes the series particularly attractive and spectacular. It presents exciting features such as Superpole. First introduced in 1998, Superpole gives the 16 fastest riders (after two normal qualifying sessions) a chance to show their skills during a unique fast lap on an empty track, giving huge visibility to their sponsors. After that high speed battle, final positions on the starting grid are determined. Raceday is even more exciting and spectacular as it features two races in the same afternoon, with 140 points up for grabs in each. And, to keep the racing as equal as possible, the organisers of the series (FGSport) have chosen a single tyre supplier, Pirelli for all the bikes.

Today, WSBK is entering new territories : new title sponsor (HANNspree has replaced Corona Extra) and Swiss company In Front is involved in the organisation. WSBK is challenging the popularity of the MotoGP class and is attracting huge crowds throughout the season. Presenting a great mix of highly-competitive, close quarter racing and superb off-track entertainment, WSBK’s future promises to be a bright one.

Link: http://www.worldsbk.com