A major technical update took place this day.Thursday, July 10, 2025 en World SBK (Superbike) and WorldSSP (Supersport) before the World Championship round at Donington Park.
Following the third checkpoint of the season (Checkpoint 3), the FIM has published new regulatory measures aimed at maintaining the balance between manufacturers in the World Superbike and Supersport categories. BMW and Ducati are subject to an increased fuel flow penalty, while Yamaha is subject to a weight adjustment in WorldSSP.
Superbike Technology: BMW and Ducati Penalized with Fuel Flow Reduction
The third Checkpoint of the season highlighted a outperformance BMW and Ducati machines, confirmed by the analysis data from article 2.4.3.2 of the technical regulations. As a result, the FIM now applies a increased Fuel Flow penalty, passing 1,0 to 1,5 kg/h, for each of the two manufacturers.
Since Checkpoint 2, the penalty system has been based on a model linear, finer and more precise than the old tiered system. The penalty is calculated according to the following formula:
Fuel Flow Penalty = Performance Threshold × 1,5
This new approach allows restrictions to be adjusted proportionally, with a minimum of 0,5 kg/h (threshold -0,250) and a maximum of 1,5 kg / h (threshold -1,000). The exceeding of the threshold by BMW and Ducati therefore automatically triggered the maximum level.
These measures are cumulative, but may be reduced or cancelled in the event of a return to more balanced performance, as provided for in the regulations.
Supersport Technique: New BoP penalty for Yamaha
In the category Supersport World Championship, Yamaha YZF-R9 is now in the spotlight. After a series of six races in which the bike showed consistent and above-average performance, the FIM decided to adjust the Balance of Performance (BoP).
This decision also comes after a official swingarm update request by Yamaha, a technical development authorized but likely to have strengthened the competitiveness of the machine.
New Yamaha YZF-R9 BoP settings:
| Brand | Minimum “hard” weight | Maximum “soft” weight | Weight Mini Moto + Driver* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha YZF-R9 | 166 kg (old: 161) | 175kg | 244kg |
*In accordance with Article 2.5.3.1 – Balancing Calculation
This new weight will come into effect from Donington Park sleeve, scheduled for this weekend. Although the engine performance has not been modified, the entire bike is now considered more efficient, justifying a compensatory measure.
To conclude:
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BMW and Ducati : Fuel Flow reduced to 1.5 kg/h due to overperformance.
-
Yamaha (Supersport) : Minimum weight increased to 166 kg in response to an observed competitive advantage.
These technical decisions illustrate the FIM's desire to preserve sporting fairness and to react quickly to technological developments and dynamic performance on the track.
Superbike Donington Technique BMW Ducati fuel flow
