WorldSBK weekend schedule shake-up
For 2016, the FIM and Dorna WorldSBK Organization (DWO) have announced a shake-up to the traditional WorldSBK weekend scheduling.
After positive feedback and input from the WorldSBK Series Promotors, Circuits, Manufacturers, Sponsors, and TV Broadcasters, DWO has announced a new, revamped WorldSBK race weekend schedule.
Traditionally held on Sunday morning, Race 1 will now take place on Saturday afternoons, with definitive timetable changes aimed at creating a flexible time schedule for fan experiences to enjoy a more complete and exciting WorldSBK experience from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon.Â
In this new format, Saturday is aimed at offering increased fan attendance and especially the chance to feel the adrenaline of WorldSBK racing during the 3 day event. In addition, Organisers and Sponsors will be able to offer an even bigger selection of special events and shows, allowing fans to enjoy both on and off track action, in a way never previously possible.
These fundamental timetable changes will prove pivotal in getting WorldSBK fans closer to the action, both those in the grandstands and the millions watching live TV around the world.
With more flexibility afforded to the schedule, the new time slots will ensure that each and every fan is able to enjoy the best of the WorldSBK paddock, either at the track or at home.
Athletes and Teams will be more available with less timing constraints, whilst the new time slots will give more flexibility to Organizers to actively design and dedicate activities within each and every event, ensuring the proximity and engagement of Fans attending.
Free practice sessions and those timed for qualifying will now take place on Friday, an addition for 2016 will see also the FIM Supersport World Championship adopting the Superpole sessions format as like WorldSBK, which will take place on Saturday mornings, before the lights go out for the first WorldSBK Race 1 in the afternoon.
Sunday morning will be dedicated to Warm Up sessions before WorldSSPÂ and WorldSBK kick off the racing action for the second time over the weekend giving fans a further opportunity to experience one of the most exciting and exhilarating motorcycle racing championships in the world.
Phillip Island WorldSBK Tickets on sale
Tickets on sale for Australia’s round of the 2016 Superbike World Championship – Feb 26-28, 2016
WorldSBK riders to hit centre stage from Saturday
A Bike-Racing Bonanza with 20% more racing on the agenda
That’s the promise from the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit as they plan next February 26-28’s world superbike opener with a bumper two-wheel speed fest that delivers nearly 20 percent more racing, and for the first time, a Saturday race for the world’s premier production bike category, world superbikes.
A ticket to the supers is the perfect Christmas gift at just $115* for a three-day pass; $80* for a Sunday only pass; with kids 15 and under free**. Â Throw in camping for up to four nights at the circuit, and your entire super long-weekend will cost only $215* for three-day event entry and a four-night camp spot!!
Book now at www.worldsbk.com.au or ring the ticket hotline today on 1 300 728 007.
In a fresh approach for February’s popular world supers, the traditional double-header Sunday format will be jettisoned in favour of one world superbike race each day, with both 22-lappers to be held at 3:00pm on February 27 and 28 respectively.
The revamped schedule means circuit goers won’t have to wait as long to get their first dose of world superbike action in 2016, and they will get to see their favourite riders — including Aussie motorcycle ace Josh Brookes, world champion Jonathan Rea and 2016’s new WorldSBK recruit Nicky Hayden — back at it the next day.Â
World Superbikes will still practice and qualify Friday and Saturday, but Superpole has been moved up to Saturday to run from 12.30pm prior to the 3:00pm Saturday race. Superpole will be as cut-throat as ever, with not only the aforementioned three riders in the mix but other stars such as 2014 world champion Sylvain Guintoli and his new Yamaha teammate Alex Lowes, Kawasaki’s pole supremo Tom Sykes, Ducati’s Chaz Davies, BMW rider Jordi Torres and Honda’s Michael van der Mark.
World supersport keeps its normal Sunday afternoon timeslot over 18 laps, but the popular Superpole format is also being adopted by the category. The cut-throat Superpole session will be held on Saturday from 1.30pm.
As well as the three world championship races, there will be a packed program of 12 support events over the weekend, with Australian superbike, Australian supersport and Australian 125GP/Moto 3 classes competing in three races per category (instead of the previous two for superbike and supersport) across Saturday and Sunday.
Each race is 10 laps and will also counts towards points in the opening round of the 2016 Australian Superbike and Phillip Island Championships.
The superbikes of yesteryear, historic bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1990 (aka period 5 and 6) return for 2016, and are set to pack a mean punch piloted by some of the retired greats. They’ll compete across three six-lap battles.
On-track action will begin at 8:30am on both days, and conclude at approximately 6:00pm on Saturday and 5:00pm on Sunday.
Check out www.ticketek.com.au for tickets to Australia’s 2016 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship, February 26-28, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit with a three-day General Admission pass at $115* per adult, Sunday only 80* per adult, and kids 15 and under free**.
To make your world supers adventure super affordable, consider camping at the circuit for just $100* per person for four nights – with kids 15 and under free**, when accompanied by a paying adult.  The circuit campground is situated above Southern Loop with views across the circuit to Bass Strait. Â
Alternatively, for hotel and rental house accommodation, visit http://visitbasscoast.com.au/region/phillip-island/
Tickets and camping are available from today at www.worldsbk.com.au or ring the ticket hotline on 1 300 728 007.
* advance ticket prices only, delivery and processing fees may apply.
**children must be accompanied by a paying adult
