Duration of an interrupted Superpole race, strengthening of the powers of judges of fact, notification of decisions, medical fitness and analysis of helmets after a fall, the Superbike and Supersport regulations are undergoing a slight refresh for the 2022 season, pending the finalization of the regulations technical and approval.
Here is a translation of the decisions taken during the last Superbike Commission.
FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships
Rule changes for 2022
The Superbike Commission, composed of MM. Gregorio LAVILLA (Dorna, WorldSBK Executive Director), Franck VAYSSIÉ (FIM), Andrea DOSOLI (Yamaha), Paolo MARCHETTI (Kawasaki), Marco ZAMBENEDETTI (Ducati), Marc BONGERS (BMW), Brian GILLEN (MV Agusta), coordinated by Paul DUPARC (FIM), took the following decisions during various electronic meetings held in November and December 2021.
The following decisions will be applied for the 2022 season:
Sporting Regulations
Resumption of an interrupted WorldSBK Superpole race
When restarting a WorldSBK Superpole race, it was found that 5 laps were too short and could cause riders to be too aggressive, generating dangerous situations.
It has been decided that the restarted Superpole race will be of a minimum duration of 8 laps.
Disciplinary regulations
Judges of fact
A more precise definition of fact judges as well as the extent of their powers has been provided. This proposal was missing from the FIM disciplinary regulations. As was done in MotoGP™ (and as will also be applied in Endurance), it was necessary to provide the same precision in the Disciplinary Code in WorldSBK. No appeal may be made against a decision of the fact-finders on matters within their jurisdiction.
Notification of decisions
It has been confirmed that information on protests and appeals, as well as decisions of the FIM WorldSBK Stewards Panel taken during on-track activities (tests and races), can be communicated on the timing screens as well as on the official notice boards. Such communications on public displays are considered valid notification.
Medical regulations
Medical fitness for running
The Commission approved various new regulations regarding the medical evaluation carried out to allow the return to competition. Appropriate decisions regarding fitness to compete must be made in consultation with the Medical Director, FIM WorldSBK Medical Director, FIM Medical Officer, FIM Medical Director and/or FIM Medical Representative and must be supported by relevant medical reports and information from the rider's doctors.
Analysis of helmets after a fall or head trauma
The helmets of all riders taken to the medical center for examination following an accident must be retained by the medical staff or the Chief Medical Director for inspection by the Technical Director or Technical Stewards before being returned to the rider or the team director.
In the event of a head injury, including concussion or loss of consciousness, unless a specific provision of a national law provides otherwise, the helmet must be sent to the FIM laboratory at University of Zaragoza for expertise and non-destructive analysis.
The helmet manufacturer will be informed of the exact tests and has the right to approve or refuse. He will be able to witness the analysis carried out in this laboratory. After inspection, the helmet can be returned to the rider, team or manufacturer.
