It will be tough to top, but WorldSBK will continue to provide the drama
Heading into its 30th season the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is set to see sparks fly, with 21 riders lining up on the grid and all hungry for the taste of victory.
Update of Race Two Grid Format
Clearly the change in rules for the grid positioning for WorldSBK Race 2 has been a big talking point, and for a good reason. With one of the biggest mix-ups the series has ever seen, it is certainly going to provide more drama and more opportunity for riders and teams to fight closer to the front. On top of this the pressure will be on for riders not to make mistakes in order to not hinder their race two starting position, therefore heavily impacting their Sunday result. We will see the intense passion seep through with even more impact from the WorldSBK riders, and no doubt have some surprises fighting up front – meaning we can see just what all of our riders are made of.
New Honda CBR1000RR
With a machine that’s been in the pipeline for many months, the Honda World Superbike Team are set to receive the 2017 CBR1000RR model. This will provide Nicky Hayden and Stefan Bradl with an updated version of the machine which secured 10 podiums in 2016. Making a ‘former GP team’, Bradl and Hayden bring a wealth of experience between them and development will be vital for the machines first year in competition.
Davies vs Rea
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) will begin the 2017 season on the back of phenomenal form showcased in the second half of the season, meaning he will be ready to bring the fight to the reigning champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) from Round 1 at Phillip Island. Failing to finish on the podium on just eight occasions in the opening nine rounds, it took the Welshman until the summer break to find some consistency but once he did, he was unstoppable. Put a consistent Davies against a comfortable Rea, who will be going for his record breaking third consistent world title, and sparks are bound to fly. Rea has demonstrated his mature ability to ride with the title in mind, as well as ruthless hunger to win with some hard but fair moves. Seeing the pair battle, no doubt with additions from team-mates and fellow riders alike, will set the series alight.
Pata Yamaha Official SBK Team
With an entire season of data now behind them, Paul Denning’s squad enters its second year with the Japanese manufacturer. Their rider combination of Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark will certainly have the ability to bring the team forward, looking to build on the first podium last season secured in Qatar.
30th season
Reaching a landmark in its history, WorldSBK heads into the 30th season of competition and the champion will certainly be remembered. Reaching such a landmark certainly shows how the WorldSBK series has continued to grow, and the level of popularity and fan base that has been acquired. One of the most thrilling and anticipated racing series in the world, we head into the 30th season with some of the best talents we have seen competing for the all important crown.
Seven World Champions line up on the grid
Experience can tend to be key in the pinnacle of two wheeled production racing, and hosting seven former World Champions will make for some intense and no doubt quality racing. Kawasaki Racing Team continues to run two WorldSBK Champions: Jonathan Rea, the reigning champion and Tom Sykes, 2013 champion. Aruba.it Racing –Ducati also have two World Champions with 2011 World Supersport Champion Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri, who claimed the 2002 250cc GP title. Nicky Hayden and Stefan Bradl take the reins with Honda World Superbike Team, both with Grand Prix titles to their names. Hayden took the 2006 MotoGP™ crown, as German Bradl holds the 2010 Moto2™ crown. Switching from Honda to Pata Yamaha Official Team SBK, Michael van der Mark won the World Supersport series in 2014. Winning a championship certainly takes determination and with these riders lining up on the grid, we are set to see battles right until the final lap.