World Superbike rule changes have been announced, with revisions to race start procedures, wild cards, and other minor updates.
Going forward, WSB will allow two wild card entries in each class per race, which have to be submitted 90 days in advance.
The rules for determining the second Superbike race of the weekend (remember, World Superbike races are all double-headers now) have changed a bit; Superpole results will still rank the riders who finish 10th or lower, but the top three riders of Race 1 will now start in the third row, with the first- and third-place finishers swapping spots. Riders 4,5, and 6 move up to the front row, and Riders 7,8, and 9 will start in the second row.
Obviously, the changes in starting order have the potential to create some very interesting passing in Race 2.
There were several other changes to the regulations, including changes to technical rules, the order of race weekends, and the naming of the Superstock series. If that stuff interests you, read on for the official press release detailing all the World Superbike rule changes:
Superbike & Supersport World Championships Regulations:
Sporting Regulations
1. Slight changes have been carried out to the Sporting rules concerning mainly the meanings of the signalling flags or riders behaviours. In each class, 2 wild cards will be allocated for each event and the deadline for presenting the wild card candidature will be extended to 90 days for overseas event.
2. The formation of the grid for Race 2 will now be decided following race results from Saturday. Superpole results will continue to define starting positions for riders who finished in 10th position or lower, however the front of the grid will now be determined on Race One results.
The front three rows will be affected in the following way:
— Top three riders move back to row three and see 1st and 3rd reverse their positions.
— Riders who finished in 4th, 5th and 6th will be promoted to the front row.
— Riders who finished in 7th, 8th and 9th will start from the second row.
3. A new and updated time schedule across the weekend is to be defined which means we will see changes to how the WorldSBK race weekend is played out, especially with the introduction of the World Supersport 300 series.
4. There is to be ban of the use of scooters in order to aid track familiarization in the build up to or over a race weekend. Walking or the use of bicycles will be permitted, as seen in MotoGP™.
5. On a similar note there is set to be a prevention of machines at the back of the grid for race formation which is again mirroring the regulations of MotoGP™.
6. FIM Supersport World Championship (600 class) will welcome an introduction of flag to flag races, meaning we will see Supersport motorcycles change tyres during a race when conditions change.Â
It is reminded that as from 2017, the FIM Superstock 1000cc Cup becomes a European Championship under the name of European Superstock 1000 Championship.
Technical Regulations
Various technical changes are to be implemented into WorldSBK for 2017, and despite some only being minor it will see a large impact on the series.
FIM Superbike World Championship: Airbox regulations have been updated meaning sensors will now be allowed to change. Additionally, parts of the Variable intake tract system may now be replaced for added strength, whilst retaining exactly the same functionality as the respective street bike.
FIM Supersport World Championship: In terms of technical modifications for this class updates have been brought in to allow modifications to the wheel axles, related parts and front fender mounts. These changes will mean we will see easier, safer and faster wheel changes.
Medical Regulations
As of the upcoming season, it will now be the athlete’s duty to immediately inform the medical director if there are changes in his/her health condition which may interfere with the ability to ride.
The 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike & Supersport World Championships Regulations will be available at FIM-LIVE.COM within the next two weeks.
