WorldSBK: Mandatory pit stops at Phillip Island

WorldSBK and WorldSSP must make a mandatory pit stop at Phillip Island.

Just one day before the beginning of the WorldSBK a rule change was announced with a mandatory pit stop to take place. Both in the WorldSSP and WorldSBK, a tyre change will be required before 11 laps on the rear tyre.

The WorldSBK races one and two have also been reduced to 20 laps with two extra sets of tyres allocated per rider. The rule change comes after a report was completed by the FIM Race Direction, Phillip Island Circuit staff, and Dorna WSBK Organization after a recent track resurfacing.

It is not the first time that Phillip Island has faced this issue – it last resurfaced in 2013 with similar rules in place during the MotoGP race. That race was won by Jorge Lorenzo on the Yamaha, with Marc Marquez being disqualified after riding for over 10 laps with his rear tyre.

Toprak Razgatlioglu was quickest in the Phillip Island preseason test – breaking into the 1:28 barrier. He set a time of 1:28.511, which was 0.074 quicker than rookie sensation Nicolo Bulega. In Supersport, Yari Montella was quickest ahead of Federico Caricasulo and Stefano Manzi – onboard the Yamaha.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director said: “The circuit has performed admirably with the new asphalt. Whilst rubber is gradually laid down track conditions evolve, which presents some challenges.

“Since the tyres were shipped out in late November to arrive for this opening round, there wasn’t enough time to develop specific tyres tailored to the current asphalt conditions. We have carefully assessed the situation considering the early track activity following the asphalt being laid out and the two days of testing that we conducted earlier this week.

“Whilst conditions have certainly improved, they may not have improved enough, especially considering the challenging, fast-paced nature of this circuit layout. In such circumstances, we, in collaboration with Race Direction, the FIM and the Phillip Island GP Circuit, must opt for the safest option, which is of paramount importance.”

The WorldSBK bikes will hit the track in the early hours of Friday morning at 00:20, with coverage on Discovery Plus and the WorldSBK Videopass.

For more WorldSBK content:

Image credit: Ducati Media