2014 World Superbike Rule Changes
Last month, Bimota announced its partnership with Alstare Racing. The Italian motorcycle company had its eyes on entering the 2014 World Superbike Championship with its BB3, but didn’t make the cut due to the homologation rules at the time.
Previous homologation rules needed 125 motorcycles produced prior to homologation inspection – which Bimota passed – but three other minimum quantities that would be hard to achieve for many manufacturers like Bimota based on the current industry – 500 by June 30, 1000 by December 31, and 2000 by December 31 of the following race year.
But based on the current situation in the motorcycle industry and markets worldwide, the FIM has eased the homologation procedure, which was approved by “a majority within the Superbike Commission.” This makes Bimota a possible ninth manufacturer in 2014 World SBK.
The rules were basically cut in half; following is the total required motorcycles that need to be produced under the new WSBK homologation rules:
• The minimum number of units to start the homologation procedure will be 125.
• At the end of the first year of participation, manufacturers will have to reach 250 units.
• At the end of the second year of participation, manufacturers will have to reach 1000 units.
Speaking of the new rule, the FIM says “The Superbike Commission will follow closely the production plan of each manufacturer in order to control the minimum number of units produced as above and guarantee the fairness of competition.”
Bimota may have enough time to make the minimum requirements ahead of the second round of 2014 World Superbike at Motorland Aragon in seven weeks. Due to previous rules, it was forced to miss Phillip Island World SBK.
If the Bimota BB3 is homologated, there could possible be nine manufacturers in 2014 World SBK. As of now, eight manufacturers are slated to fill the 2014 World SBK grid: the returning MV Agusta, Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.
