2012 WSBK grid takes shape

Seasoned veterans, new talent, renaissance men – the 2012 world Superbike title will be intriguing, as it explodes into life at Phillip Island

The Superbike World Championship turns 25 in 2012, and the celebrations will kick off at Victoria’s Phillip Island circuit from February 24-26 with a quality helping of fresh talent out to muscle up against seasoned veterans such as reigning world champion Carlos Checa.

The two biggest names joining the production-based championship next year are 2009 250 GP world champion and former MotoGP punter Hiroshi Aoyama, who slots into the factory Honda team alongside Jonathan Rea, and resurgent American John Hopkins, who came agonisingly close to claiming the 2011 British Superbike title.

Hopkins will pair with Leon Camier at the new British-based Crescent Racing Suzuki team, while another rookie squad is Aprilia ParkinGO, which is bringing hard-charging 2011 world Supersport champion Chaz Davies into the premier class.

Of the remaining factory teams, Eugene Laverty and 2010 WSBK champion Max Biaggi at Aprilia Alitalia shapes as a golden partnership; Marco Melandri and Leon Haslam also form an extremely powerful line-up at BMW Motorrad; and Kawasaki has retained two of its three practitioners from 2011 -- Joan Lascorz and Tom Sykes.

Melandri is the reigning world No. 2, and was the only rider to keep the all-conquering Checa in his sights during the 2011 season.

Checa returns with Althea Ducati to defend his title, with the team expanding its roster by adding promising Italian Davide Giugliano – the 2011 FIM Superstock 1000 champion.

Checa blazed a trail through the 2011 WSBK title, setting the agenda early at Phillip Island with two resounding victories.

Other strong privateer line-ups include Ayrton Badovini and Michel Fabrizio at BMW Italia; Jakub Smrz, Sylvain Guintoli and Maxime Berger at Effenbert-Liberty Ducati; and veteran Noriyuki Haga at DFX Corse Ducati.

Of the 22 riders in the 2012 championship, nine are already WSBK race winners. And with an intriguing mix of battle-hardened WSBK campaigners, ex-MotoGP stars and riders like Laverty and Davies who have made the progression from world Supersport, the fight for the 14-round 2012 championship could take any number of twists and turns.

And in world Supersport, Australia’s challenge appears likely to be spearheaded by the experienced Novocastrian Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Honda), with 2011 European Superstock 600 champion Melbourne’s Jed Metcher making the switch on a Russian-backed RivaMoto Yamaha.

Prior to the opening round of the championship at Phillip Island on February 24-26, the final official pre-season test will also be held at the Bass Straight circuit from February 20-21, which normally provides a strong form guide for the following weekend’s action.

Australian riders who would like to compete as a wildcard at Phillip Island are now asked to apply. Applications forms can be found at www.ma.org.au/suppregs, and close on Friday, January 6, 2012.

SUPER VALUE AT WORLD SUPERBIKES

Fancy a weekend at the world superbikes. It’s super easy to book. Visit www.worldsbk.com.au or contact the SBK toll free hotline, tel 1300 728 007.

There will be six superscreens to ensure great viewing from whatever vantage point. Bring your bike to the circuit, cruise the spectator areas, find a favourite spot, park your machine, sit back and enjoy the action. And you can move around the circuit perimeter at your pleasure, on your own set of wheels.

If camping is your go, then sleep trackside. The circuit campground is just metres from the battleground, above turn two, and is priced at $100* for four nights with kids 15 and under free.

General admission (GA) family tickets (two adults and two children) are priced so kids, 15 and under, attend free.

Save by buying in advance and there’s a great freebie offer for early bookers with all three-day pass holders invited to Free Paddock Friday with access to the paddock on Friday morning and an invite to the rider autograph signing session.

TICKET SAMPLES

THREE-DAY FAMILY

Make a holiday of the supers, and get three big days at the races for your entire family (two adults and two children* or one adult and three children*) for $270* advance purchase.

MATES ONLY WEEKEND?

Just want a weekend away for you and your mates? Then go for the three-day pass -- $135* advance

SUNDAY ONLY

Can only squeeze in one day at the track? -- $75* advance

BAR SBK

Access to all three Superbike viewing locations, all undercover, all licensed (cash bar) and all sites near a superscreen. Get three Bar SBK locations – turn one, turn four and turn eight for $250* per person advance

GRANDSTAND

For $260* in advance get yourself a grandstand seat right on Gardner Straight, right above the startline. Contact the toll free hotline, 1300 728 007 to choose a grandstand seat.

*Handling fees from $7.50 apply to pre-purchased GA, Grandstand and Bar SBK tickets. Please note children aged 5-15, with age four and under free.

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2012 WSBK grid takes shape

SUPER VALUE AT WORLD SUPERBIKES

TICKET SAMPLES

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