New image for World Superbikes in 2012

The new brand, developed by London-based creative agency, Designwerk, will be launched in full later this year, with one distinct brand clearly reflecting the sport, its image, ambience, values and style of international motor racing at its highest level. Starting from the first round in 2012, which will take place at Phillip Island, the new event mark and its look & feel will ultimately be reflected in every aspect of the FIM Superbike World Championship events, including television, new media, print, signage and as well as any of the commercial affiliates. Designwerk's past clients include UEFA, the America's Cup and Peugeot.

Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront Sports & Media said:
"The rebranding of the championship is one of our key priorities within the overall long-term innovation strategy for the series. A distinct and cohesive brand, clearly reflecting the sport, its image, ambience, values and style of international motor racing at its highest level, is an important element of the overall marketing approach targeting new followers and providing all commercial partners with a strong communication platform. With our investment in the new identity the championship is set to being recognised as one of the top global motor sport properties."

Stephan Herth, Executive Director Summer Sports, added:
"We believe that the time has come to enhance the presentation and branding of the FIM Superbike World Championship and its support race series. The essence and value of the series will now be captured and conveyed in a new and well-structured premium brand. We trust that this can be achieved with the new strong and consistent stand-alone family of brands to increase awareness and to make the event commercially even more appealing for sponsors, TV, media as well as the public."

Paolo Flammini, CEO of Infront Motor Sports, commented:
"Passion, competition and accessibility are three key values that we continuously endeavour to communicate to our audience. People perceive and recognize them appropriate for SBK. The road is our origin: SBK comes from the roads, our bikes are production-derived bikes, our races are competitive and exciting and enable fans to identify themselves with the riders. This is why we have chosen to further develop the chevron, a familiar icon from the roads worldwide, as a key visual element for the new SBK brand family and bring it to life wherever we can."

The new SBK brand structure to be introduced in full later this year, with Milan's EICMA motorcycle expo in November to mark the public debut of the new brand identity.