WSBK goes to Russia

As one of the fastest growing new vehicle markets in the world, it was only a matter of time before Russia started bidding for top tier motorsports events as it seeks a larger piece of the racing pie.

With F1 heading to Russia in 2014, the Superbike World Championship has now been given the green light to hold an event in Russia, after a deal between the media rights holder of the WSBK championship (Infront Motor Sports) and Yakhnich Motorsport was signed.

Yakhnich Motorsport will promote and organise the first Russian round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, but at this stage no date nor venue has been locked in for the inaugural race.

The aim is to hold the first Russian WSBK round in 2012, but 2013 is looking likely as the search for an appropriate circuit continues.

A new racetrack in Sochi (pictured) is currently being built for the Russian round of the 2014 Formula One which would make an ideal venue for the Superbike World Championship, complete with all the facilities required -- however the timing is not ideal.

At present Russia has several viable race tracks that could host the WSBK, but none have been FIM-endorsed, which could be a significant hurdle for the organisers.

In a press statement, Infront Motor Sports declared that its "intention is to bring World Superbike to Russia already in 2012," and that "negotiations are being held with a number of circuits currently in the process of applying for FIM homologation."

Paolo Flammini, the CEO of Infront Motor Sports, had this to say about the signing of the deal: "We are very satisfied with this agreement and we wish to thank Mr. Yakhnich for his warm welcome and for the truly professional work carried out by his team.

"Russia is one of the most important nations in the world, with a rapidly-growing economy. We think that the Superbike World Championship is the most suitable way to help develop the Russian motorcycle market, together with a plan that foresees the growth of young Russian riders on an international level in our four categories."

Alexander Yakhnich was also upbeat about the deal: "We are honoured to have reached this prestigious target. Thanks to the vital support of the Russian Government, specifically the Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov, Russian motorcycling is getting ready to play host to the Superbike World Championship and in this way help the growth of the sport in our country in the best possible way".

The press conference also played host to a presentation of the ‘Two Countries Cup', the UEM-organised trophy for Italian and Russian riders with ‘Open Stock 600' bikes. These two rounds will be held at Misano on 12 June as part of the San Marino Round of the Superbike World Championship, and at the new Canyon circuit in Kazan (Russia) on 21 August, the latter a possibility for a modern day Superbike World Championship held on Russian soil.

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