Circuit de Magny-Cours and Dorna WSBK Organization announced a contract extension, which will see the French Circuit host the  World SuperbikeChampionship until 2022 following a press conference attended by Mr Saulnier (Chairman of the Board), Daniel Carrera (WorldSBK Executive Director), Marc Saurina (WorldSBK Commercial & Marketing Director) and Loris Baz (Gulf Althea BMW Racing Team).

History was made at the ever-popular French Round in 2017, the stunning weekend saw Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) crowned WorldSBK champion for the third time in succession, becoming the first rider to ever reach this feat. 

Providing fantastic racing, the Circuit of Magny-Cours has been home to the French round since 2003, with world class facilities and welcoming racing passion not only from the French, but from an international fanbase. The Circuit de Magny-Cours will continue to host WorldSBK racing action until 2022, which will come as a delight to many.

Chairman of the Board of Magny-Cours Circuit, Mr Serge Saulnier emphasises “To secure the presence of WorldSBK over the next 5 years at Magny-Cours, is a mark of mutual trust towards the future of this discipline.”

WorldSBK Executive Director Daniel Carrera explains: “Continuing to visit the French circuit of Magny-Cours was an easy decision to make, and one which will welcome stunning racing action for seasons to come. Hosting a world class event with fantastic facilities, passionate fans and hard-working staff, we look forward to returning to France for the next five seasons.”

Christian Gamarino is ready to make his debut at Phillip Island next February as a Grillini Team rider, alongside the already confirmed Roberto Rolfo for the 2018 World Superbike Championship.

Gamarino, a native of Genoa, took his first international racing steps in 2011, contesting the Superstock 600 European Championship crown, where he ended the 2013 season third place overall, before landing a ride in World Supersport the following year with strong results.

Team Grillini manager Andrea Grillini commented: "I have always kept an eye on Christian in the Supersport races, and this year we have created the opportunity to bring him to the team."

"Gamarino will race with the Team the first five rounds of the Championship, and I'm sure he will do well. After many years I find myself having an all-Italian team, and I'm happy to give young talents the chance to challenge themselves in a championship as important as the WorldSBK." He added

"I also thank Dorna who gave me the chance to secure a place on the starting grid for these guys.".

source: worldsbk.com

With the countdown on for the opening round of the 2018 World Superbike Championship, there is plenty of anticipation in the Australian air as three time WorldSBK champion Troy Bayliss prepares to make his return to racing from the 23^rd-25^th February, in the Australian Superbike Championship.

Hitting the age of 48, Bayliss is coming out of retirement to compete in the 2018 ASBK championship with Ducati. As the season opener is held alongside the WorldSBK opener at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Bayliss is attracting a lot of attention with his upcoming debut. 

Speaking to former rival and fellow Australian Troy Corser, Bayliss explains: “I want to be fast enough to be up the front in 2018 and anything else after that will be a bonus. There could be times when I feel really good on the bike and take a podium, but I want to see the bike up the front – that’s the main thing.”

Adding that he has had to change his diet now he is back in racing, he added: “I’ve dropped down about six kilos and been living like a monk. Beers are gone!  Yoga starts as soon as I go home.  Got to free up my hips and get a bit looser but I’m doing everything to try and make myself to ride these things.”

“Initially, after 10 years away, everything felt like it was in fast motion,” Bayliss said. “Then I looked at the times and said: ‘Wow, I’ve got a way to go here’. But I started to make progress and felt a lot more at home on the bike.”

Joining Bayliss at the Yamaha Finance Australian Round will be his 14 year old son Oli Bayliss, who is competing once again in the national Supersport 300 series. Making it a full family affair, fans will be in for a full weekend of racing action Down Under.

Following three appearances with the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team in 2017, Jake Gagne will take a full time ride with the squad next year as he is set to make his first full time debut on the world stage, joining Leon Camier in the Ten Kate garage.

First appearing in the World Superbike Championship paddock back in July around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the 24 year old was drafted in as a replacement rider for Nicky Hayden, who tragically lost his life in a training incident in May.

Securing two top 15 finishes on the Fireblade CBR1000RR SP2 machine, Gagne took the weekend in his stride and impressed in his first weekend on the world stage.

Returning to the WorldSBK paddock for the 11^th Round of the season in France and the final Round under the floodlights in Qatar, he was able to get more miles under his belt and continue to understand the Honda – taking three 12^th position finishes and one DNF.

Gagne is thrilled with the news, and looks forward to the season ahead: “It’s really a dream come true to have the chance to contest a full World Superbike season with the Honda World Superbike Team."

"I cannot thank Red Bull, Honda and Ten Kate enough for the opportunity to race the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 over three rounds this year."

"I have learned so much from them and I got to know them quite well, so I’m looking forward to getting going again. 2018 will be an exciting year for me, with a lot of travelling and racing on some of the best race tracks in the world."

"I want to thank again everyone involved for this incredible opportunity, and I feel I’m ready for the challenge ahead!”

Marco Chini:  “We are delighted to have Jake on board for the 2018 season. He picked up the challenge this year and jumped on our Fireblade without prior testing and did well at Laguna Seca, and later showed his talent at tracks he had never raced before."

"He is young, gifted and a great guy, so he’s the right choice for the team to ride alongside Leon. We look forward to seeing him on track very soon and we’re sure American fans will be happy to cheer him on."

source: worldsbk.com