The start of the World Superbike season in Phillip Island will feature an exceptional novelty: in the main races, riders are required to make a pit stop for tyre change, with flag-to-flag rules in effect regardless of weather conditions. The distance of the races has also been reduced in the World Superbike championship.
The decision was announced on Thursday, based on information gathered during the WSBK and World Supersport tests held at the same circuit this week. The goal is to ensure the safety of all riders, with the conclusion that rear tyres should not be used for more than 11 laps (WSBK) and ten laps (WSSP). Additionally, two extra sets of tyres are available to each rider in both classes. Regarding WSBK specifically, the two long races have been shortened to 20 laps.
In a prerss release, WorldSBK Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla explained: ‘The circuit has performed admirably with the new asphalt. While rubber is gradually laid down track conditions evolve, which present some challenges. Since the tyres were shipped out in late November to arrive for this opening round, there wasn’t enough time to develop specific tyres tailored to the current asphalt conditions. We have carefully assessed the situation, considering the early track activity following the asphalt’s being laid out and the two days of testing we conducted earlier this week. While conditions have certainly improved, they may not have improved enough, especially considering the challenging, fast-paced nature of this circuit layout. In such circumstances, we, in collaboration with Race Direction, the FIM and the Phillip Island GP Circuit, must opt for the safest option, which is of paramount importance’.