WorldSBK 2025 season is set to kick off with an exciting yet strategic twist: mandatory pit stops will once again play a crucial role during the opening round at Phillip Island.
This decision, announced by WorldSBK officials, aims to improve safety and competitiveness amid the unique challenges posed by the Australian circuit’s notorious weather and track conditions.
Last year, the introduction of mandatory pit stops proved essential after significant wear was observed on the rear tires during early testing sessions at Phillip Island. The resurfacing of the track had created a demanding environment for both riders and teams, leading to concerns regarding tire durability.
As a response, the organizers implemented a pit stop requirement that allowed teams to change tires mid-race, ensuring that all participants could compete under fair and secure conditions.
This precautionary measure has now been retained for the WorldSBK 2025 season opener.
In a statement, Executive Director of WorldSBK Gregorio Lavilla emphasized the necessity of this format: “Phillip Island is renowned for its thrilling, high-speed layout, but it also presents unique challenges due to its surface and rapidly changing weather.
“Despite improvements to the track conditions over time, it remains extremely demanding, especially if you bear in mind it will be the first round of the WorldSBK 2025 season where teams are still fine-tuning their basic set-up.
“Based on our experience at Phillip Island, we concluded that enforcing a mandatory pit stop is the best approach to uphold the quality of the racing. By adopting this format, we’re ensuring that all participants can compete under fair and secure conditions at what promises to be an exciting start to the season.”
The mandatory pit stop format will apply to both WorldSBK and World Supersport (WorldSSP) classes. Riders in the WorldSBK category will be limited to 11 laps per rear tire, while those in WorldSSP will have a maximum of 10 laps.
Consequently, each race in the WorldSBK 2025 season will consist of 20 laps, with competitors allocated two additional sets of tires to accommodate this strategy.
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The implementation of this rule not only aims to maintain competitive racing but also ensures that safety remains a top priority for all involved.
The decision to enforce mandatory pit stops also reflects a broader trend within motorsport towards increased safety measures. As racing technology advances and speeds increase, so too does the need for regulations that protect both riders and teams.
By mandating pit stops, organizers can mitigate risks associated with tire degradation and enhance overall race quality.
As teams prepare for the WorldSBK 2025 season opener at Phillip Island, they are also gearing up for crucial pre-season testing sessions. The first test is scheduled for January 22-23 at Jerez in Spain, followed by another test at Portimao on January 28-29.
These testing opportunities are vital for teams to refine their setups and strategies ahead of the competitive season.
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