World Superbikes to run pit stops at Phillip Island

At this weekend’s Grand Bridge Brewery Australian Round of the 2024 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, concerns over excessive tyre wear will see the WorldSBK and WorldSSP races run under flag-to-flag rules, with a mandatory pit stop for all riders to change tyres. Normally reserved for changeable weather conditions (wet to dry or vice versa), the flag-to-flag format is being applied in this instance for safety reasons.

The 4.445km Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit was resurfaced in December, with tyre wear noticed during the Official Test for both WorldSBK and WorldSSP classes at the circuit earlier this week. Normally, a set of tyres will last a full race distance – approx. 20 laps – at Phillip Island, but the test was showing extreme rear tyre wear after as little as 10 laps. The lack of rubber on the new track makes the asphalt more abrasive than it would be if the surface had been in use for a longer period.

Following information gathered from the tests, as well as a report from the FIM Technical Director, a decision was reached between Race Direction, the circuit and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) to limit rear tyre use to no more than 11 laps for WorldSBK and 10 laps for WorldSSP. This means a compulsory pit stop to change tyres midway through the feature races for each class.

The distance for both WorldSSP races will remain unchanged at 18 laps, but WorldSBK Race 1 and 2 have been reduced from 22 to 20 laps each. As the Tissot Superpole Race for WorldSBK is only 10 laps, that race will go ahead unchanged.
Additionally, two extra sets of tyres have been allocated for each rider in both classes.

The DWO says the decision to add a compulsory pit stop, similar to that undertaken during the MotoGP race in 2013 after the previous resurfacing, is to ensure the safety of all participants.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director: "The circuit has performed admirably with the new asphalt. While rubber is gradually laid down, track conditions evolve, which present 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's being laid out and the two days of testing we conducted earlier this week. While 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."

WorldSBK Race 1 and WorldSSP Race 1 with the flag-to-flag format is on Saturday, 24 February, with the Tissot Superpole Race and Race 2 for both WorldSBK and WorldSSP on Sunday, 25 February.

For schedule updates, ticketing info and more details on the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round, click HERE.