The Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK): Fascination, Technology, and Passion
The Superbike World Championship, internationally known as WorldSBK or WSBK, is the premier class of production-based motorcycle racing and has been thrilling motorsport fans worldwide since 1988. Unlike MotoGP, highly tuned but fundamentally production-based superbikes are used here, based on the manufacturers' most powerful sports motorcycles. This closeness to production creates a special fascination: the machines that compete for the title on legendary racetracks are closely related to the motorcycles that can also be ridden on the street.
Technology, Regulations, and Manufacturers
Superbikes are fully-faired sports motorcycles with a displacement of up to 1000 cc for four- and three-cylinder engines and up to 1200 cc for two-cylinders. The minimum weight ranges from 162 to 168 kilograms, depending on the engine concept. To ensure equal opportunities between the different concepts, technical specifications such as air restrictors and minimum weights are regularly adjusted. Since 2003, standardized tires from Pirelli have been used, further increasing the importance of riding skills and tuning.
The homologation of the motorcycles requires manufacturers to produce a minimum number of road-legal base vehicles, ensuring closeness to production. Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Aprilia, and more recently BMW, shape the championship's image and engage in thrilling duels for rider and manufacturer titles year after year.
Format and Race Weekend
A typical WorldSBK weekend consists of several free practice sessions, a Superpole to determine the starting grid, and two main races – one on Saturday and one on Sunday. This format has been established since 2016 and ensures excitement on both days. Additionally, there is the Superpole Race, a sprint race that awards additional points and starting positions for the second main race.
Race Calendar and Current Season
The WorldSBK 2025 season takes the field to legendary racetracks such as Misano, Donington Park, Magny-Cours, Aragon, Estoril, and Jerez. The races feature top international competitors and are followed by millions of fans worldwide. The current schedule runs from June to October, with two thrilling races taking place each weekend.
The Stars of the Scene
The list of WorldSBK legends is long: names like Carl Fogarty, Troy Bayliss, Jonathan Rea, Tom Sykes, and most recently Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Álvaro Bautista stand for motorsport at the highest level. Jonathan Rea holds numerous records with over 100 wins and more than 6,000 points. In the current 2025 season, Nicolò Bulega (Ducati) and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu ([BMW](ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)) are in a close duel for the top, followed by riders like Danilo Petrucci and Álvaro Bautista.
Youth and Diversity
In addition to the main class, the Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP), the Supersport 300 World Championship (WorldSSP300), and since 2024 the all-women racing class WorldWCR are also held as part of WorldSBK. These series provide young talents and female riders with an international stage and specifically promote the next generation of motorsport.
Emotions, Action, and Innovation
The Superbike World Championship stands for pure emotions, spectacular overtaking maneuvers, and thrilling duels – often until the last lap. The closeness to production, the technical diversity, and the passion of the teams make WorldSBK unique in the motorsport calendar. For manufacturers, the series is a showcase for innovations and proof of the performance of their motorcycles.
Whether as a spectator at the track or in front of the screen: WorldSBK offers motorsport up close, captivating stories, and unforgettable moments – year after year, race after race.