By Dean Adams
This information is all quite telling and interesting but what is possibly the most interesting is that many of these rules and the theory behind the rules are just like the ones that American Steve Whitlock, who was WSBK’s former and longstanding Technical Director, enforced either officially or unofficially. Slow or old bikes were allowed more leniency to keep them competitive.
When Dorna took over WSBK they blew Whitlock out of his job and re-wrote the rulebook. –DFA
This just in from WSBK:
Start release:
Decision of the SBK Commission
The Superbike Commission composed of Messrs Rezsö Bulcsu (FIM CCR Director), Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA Representative), Gregorio Lavilla (WorldSBK Sporting Director), in the presence of Messrs Paul Duparc (FIM CCR Coordinator), Charles Hennekam (International Technical Commission Coordinator), Daniel Carrera (WorldSBK Executive Director) and Scott Smart (FIM Technical Director) have announced the changes for the 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship from an electronic meeting held on Tuesday 24 October 2017.
The 2018 regulations have been agreed following the consideration of multiple aspects of the Series. A detailed analysis was carried out in collaboration with teams, riders, and manufacturers, with particular focus to parity, affordability and competition.
As a result, the main changes of this analysis are detailed in the points below.
Technical Regulations
· REV LIMIT
The balancing system using air restrictors has been replaced with a rev limiting system. The rev limit can be altered at various points throughout the season and applies to each individual manufacturer.
· CONCESSIONS
A concession points system will be introduced to restrict engine development of the fastest machines. At certain stages in the season teams that have achieved fewer concession points will be allowed to introduce updated concession parts.
As a secondary benefit, the private teams will get access to cost capped engine parts to help them reach performance levels similar to the factory supported teams.
· FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSIONS AND APPROVED ENGINE PARTS
Price caps and approval process have been applied to several key frame, suspension and engine parts. These are called approved parts. This process ensures access and availability to all parts for all teams along with controlled pricing.
The version of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship regulations, which contain the detailed text changes are available on the FIM website.
