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With the 2017 season coming to a close, thoughts are already turning to next season and the WorldSBK provisional calendar has been released for 2018.

Taking on 13 rounds again next year, the traditional season opener of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit will remain ahead of the battle going to Chang International Circuit, before the much anticipated European opener at MotorLand Aragon.

With two additions to the calendar, the WorldSBK machines will take on Brno and El Villicum in 2018, offering new challenges and pure racing. With the excitement no doubt building, Losail International Circuit will once again host the final round of the season.

FIM Supersport World Championship will take on 12 rounds, whilst the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship and FIM European Superstock 1000 Championship will run from 13th April at MotorLand, as the season finale will take place at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours on 28th – 30th September.

The 2018 provisional WorldSBK calendar is as follows:

1- Australia – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - 23–25 February

2- Thailand – Chang International Circuit – 23–25 March

3- Spain – MotorLand Aragon – 13-15 April

4- The Netherlands – TT Circuit Assen – 20-22 April

5- Italy - Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola – 11-13 May

6- United Kingdom – Donington Park – 25-27 May

7- Czech Republic – Automotodrom Brno – 8-10 June

8- United States – Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – 22-24 June

9- Italy – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli – 6-8 July

10- Portugal – Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – 14-16 September

11- France – Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours – 28-30 September

12- Argentina – El Villicum* – 12-14 October

13- Qatar – Losail International Circuit – 25-27 October

*STH – Subject to homologation

Official tests:

- Australia – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – WorldSBK & WorldSSP – 19-20 February

- Portugal – Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – WorldSBK – 23-24 August

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With the sun about to set on what has been another phenomenal season for the Kawasaki Racing Team, their work isn’t over yet as Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes have their sights set firmly on taking the desert by storm this weekend for the Acerbis Qatar Round.

Heading to a circuit in which Rea it yet to win around, he hopes to secure another strong weekend on board his ZX-10RR but notes that he will be satisfied with the outcome of the season as a whole.

Already in the frame of mind to think about the 13th and final round of the season, the Northern Irishman notes the importance of the track conditions as he could potentially break the record for the most points scored in one season.

Looking forward to the round ahead, Rea explains: “Reflecting on Jerez last time out it was an amazing weekend. It has always been a good circuit for us during the winter tests but this year we managed to be really strong all weekend in the races.

This has given us good momentum to take into Qatar. This is the last round and I want to finish well. I enjoy the atmosphere there as it is a chilled out paddock and the night time race adds a bit of excitement between the riders and teams. The layout suits me and there are a lot of high speed corners there.

It is important to maximise the grip as the track is in the middle of the desert and early in the weekend there is not so much rubber down. So we need to pay attention to that. I want to keep an eye on the long game and finish the season strong. Whatever happens, I think we can be satisfied with the job this year.”

British team-mate Tom Sykes is gunning for the runner up spot in the championship standings, as he heads to Qatar joint on points with Chaz Davies.

With his fitness continuing to improve, Sykes looks forward to taking on the 5.3km circuit as it’s a circuit which suits his riding style. Hoping the set-up of his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR will be able to easily adapt to the track, the 32 year old is set for a strong battle under the floodlights.

“This is the final round of the year”, begins Sykes. “And the season has passed by almost without realising it in some ways."

"My hand is feeling better than it did in Jerez where all those many changes of direction meant things were not ideal. I was still not fully myself at Jerez but I am looking forward to the last races. Losail is a lovely venue and I really enjoy riding at night under the lights."

"I also enjoy the general layout and the weekend timetable. In the final round we will try to get the bike settings to suit my riding style in the best way possible." He added

"I have gone quite a way to try and change my riding style to suit the changes that came in this year."

"In Qatar we will see if we can get the bike set-up to do the rest. Right now we’re working toward making sure we take the runner up slot in the final championship standings."

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Reigning WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea continues to impress with his ZX-10RR machine, as he completed the test at the Circuito de Jerez with a lap time over a second faster than the circuit record, as well as beating MotoGP bikes out on track.

Uncatchable in Spain, the British rider is certainly heading into 2018 as the man to beat.

Able to work through his full testing regime with the Kawasaki Racing Team, Rea was so delighted with his pace in Andalusia that he finished the day early after setting the time of 1.37.986.

Explaining: “After a long hard season, my energy levels are quite low and we got through our checklist for the test and I’m so happy. But I’m looking forward to some rest, relaxation and getting ready for 2018!”

British team-mate Tom Sykes finished the day second fastest overall, with a lap time of 1.38.326s. Leaving the test with a spring in his step, the Yorkshire-born rider was thrilled with the set-up and pace found on the Ninja ZX-10RR, and with 71 laps put in on the final lap time left Sykes happy heading into the winter break.

Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team duo of Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark had a positive week in Southern Spain, as the duo began to work according to the 2018 regulations.

British rider Lowes was particularly impressive with his lap times, ending the week with a 1.38.622 and running times competitively compared to the MotoGP™ riders. Van der Mark has been pleased with his testing plan so far, ending in the top seven overall.

Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider Marco Melandri was able to work a lot on the new regulations and collected a lot of data for Ducati technicians to work on over the winter. Fastest on day four, he spent a lot of time out on track on the final day and clocked in 76 laps overall.

His time of 1.39.577 was enough to put him in the top six, whilst team-mate Chaz Davies was at home recuperation following a big crash on Wednesday.

Leon Camier first appearance on the Fireblade CBR1000RR SP2 was much anticipated, and he was able to deliver with some impressive performances over three days. His final time of 1.39.333 which he set on his final lap of the week boosted him into fourth position overall, leaving Jerez with a strong result into the winter.  

Xavi Fores continued to have a strong test as he awaits the 2018 parts for his Panigale, ending the test in fifth position overall, focusing heavily on his swing arm and weight into the rear.  

After re-signing for the satellite Ducati team, he has begun a strong testing regime and has been working with the new regulations.  

Official WorldSBK Times Day Five:

1.            Jonathan REA                                  1:37:986
2.            Tom SYKES                                     1:38:326            +0.340
3.            Alex LOWES                                    1:38:622            +0.636
4.            Leon CAMIER                                  1:39:333            +1.347
5.            Xavi FORES                                     1:39:384            +1.318
6.           Marco MELANDRI                             1:39:577            +1.591
7.           Michael van der MARK                      1:39:577            +1.591
8.            Niccolo CANEPA                              1:39:855             +1.869           
9.            Michael RUBEN RINALDI                1:40.223             +2.237           

Full WorldSBK Combined times:

1.            Jonathan REA                                  1:37:986
2.            Tom SYKES                                     1:38:326            +0.340
3.            Alex LOWES                                    1:38:622            +0.636
4.            Leon CAMIER                                  1:39:333            +1.347
5.            Xavi FORES                                     1:39:384            +1.318
6.           Marco MELANDRI                            1:39:577             +1.591
7.           Michael van der MARK                     1:39:577             +1.591
8.            Niccolo CANEPA                              1:39:855             +1.869           
9.            Michael RUBEN RINALDI                1:40.223             +2.237 
10.          Loris BAZ                                         1:40:468              +2.482     
11.          Eugene LAVERTY                            1:40:551              +2.565
12.          Jordi TORRES                                 1:40:595              +2.609
13.          Chaz DAVIES                                   1:40:630              +2.630
14.          Lorenzo SAVADORI                         1:40.841              +2.855
15.          Leandro MERCADO                        1:41.034               +3.048
16.          Yonny HERNANDEZ                        1:41:476               +3.490

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Preparing for the WorldSBK finale under the floodlights in Qatar, Pedercini Racing SC-Project have announced Jeremy Guarnoni will ride for the team in the Qatar Round of the series.

Stepping in for Riccardo Russo, who the team say has left following a tough end to the season, the French rider will make his debut in the WorldSBK class after finishing in the top six in the European Superstock 1000 Championship this season.

Competing in WorldSBK back in 2014 with MRS Kawasaki, the French rider was able to secure 14th position in the championship, but was unable to score any points around the Losail International Circuit.

However after three seasons in the STK1000 championship, the French rider will have even more experience behind him on the ZX-10RR to prepare him for his entry.

 

         

 

 

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