PHILLIP ISLAND WORLD SUPERBIKES PREVIEW

Tickets are available now from the circuit, either online at http://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/superbikes or on the toll free event hotline 1300 728 007.

With seven manufacturers confirmed to campaign in 2010, the packed grid will continue to deliver the most competitive bike racing in the world. Backing the World Superbikes at the island will be the opening round of the World Supersport Championship plus a host of national support classes.

New faces - familiar faces

Heading the world superbike entry list in 2010 will be the Ducati squad of Nori Haga and Michel Fabrizio, both of whom are strong championship contenders. Italy's Max Biaggi returns with Aprilia, while Ireland's Jonathan Rea and Max Neukirchner will be flying the flag for Honda. In the Australian corner will be Wollongong's Troy Corser for BMW and the return of Queensland's Chris Vermeulen to the category with the Kawasaki factory outfit run by Paul Bird. A privateer BMW squad from Austria has also recently been confirmed as a starter for 2010. 2004 and 2007 SBK champion James Toseland is returning to World Superbikes, racing for the Yamaha factory team, alongside fellow Brit Cal Crutchlow. Toseland knows how to win and is sure to take it up to Haga in the fight for the championship.

On track action from Friday to Sunday includes more than 15 races, plus the fierce sessions of qualifying and early practice.

Book prior to race weekend and save

Book your general admission ticket prior to race weekend and save on gate prices, with a Sunday race day general admission (GA) ticket for $70*, a three day GA ticket for $130*, and ticket options for families and concessions from Friday through to Sunday.

A range of VIP hospitality packages are available, so you can experience the 'supers in style. BAR SBK - a three day pass that gives access to four undercover and licensed viewing locations around the circuit - is good value at only $240*.

Accommodation options include trackside camping from $99* per person for four nights or $198* per family, with accommodation options in nearby towns. Go to http://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/superbikes to purchase. The first 5000 to pre-purchase a three day GA ticket (before December 31) will be in the draw for one of four positions on the starting grid for race one of the world superbikes.

* plus handling/postage charges

2010 World Superbike Calendar

The FIM have announced the 2010 provisional calendar for the 13 round World Superbike and World Supersport Championship and 10 round World Superstock Championship.

As per last year, Australia will kick off the 2010 season on February 26-28, but the season-closing Portimao round round from 2008 and 2009 moves to round 2 for the 2010 season. Qatar is a notable omission, while Valencia and Imola rounds are to be confirmed, with the latter also subject to homologation approval.

The 2010 calendar is as follows:

1. Feb 28 Australia Phillip Island

2. Mar 28 Portugal Portimao

3. Apr 11 Spain Valencia (tbc)

4. Apr 25 Netherlands Assen

5. May 9 Italy Monza

6. May 16 South Africa Kyalami

7. May 31 United States Salt Lake City

8. Jun 27 San Marino Misano

9. Jul 11 Czech Rep Brno

10. Aug 1 Great Britain Donington Park

11. Sep 5 Germany Nurburgring