With eight rounds planned for this year, including one already contested at Phillip Island, we are far from the thirteen events originally planned. This is not very serious for the Superbike category whose competitors compete in three races each weekend. On the other hand, it is a handicap for the Supersport teams, who suddenly with only eight races find it difficult to justify their budgets to their partners.
As expressed by the reigning World Champion in the category Randy Krummenacher, “If there are so few events, then the Supersport class should also race twice a weekend. » This of course creates additional work for the organization, but it also brings more spectacle for the fans, whether they are on the circuit or in front of their television screen. It is therefore not a negative operation for the organizer, especially since if the Superbikes have three races, it is not illogical for the Supersport to have two.
The team managers are entirely in favor of this idea, which would allow them to have a championship comprising a total of fifteen races, compared to only eight if we stick to just one round per weekend.
The organizer Dorna is in favor of this suggestion, which allows him to offer more shows: “I am working on setting up two races for the Supersport 600 and 300 categories,” confirmed WSBK General Director Gregorio Lavilla to Ivo Schützbach of Speedweek. com.
“An additional race on Saturday after the first Superbike race is possible in each case. It would be good for the show and also for the championship points. »
“The hardest part is the added cost of TV and satellite time. But I would like to do it this way to avoid surprises in case there is another lockdown. This would open up additional options for all parties involved. »
Provisional calendars for the Superbike and Supersport World Championships:
August 1 and 2: Jerez
August 8 and 9: Portimão
August 29 and 30: Aragón
September 17 and 18: Barcelona
October 3 and 4: Magny-Cours
October 10 and 11: San Juan (Argentina)
November 7 and 8: Misano
Photos © Pirelli
