WorldSBK Takes Bold Steps Towards Greater Competition in 2024
In a recent statement, Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, has confirmed significant changes to the rules aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the series. While the past few seasons have delivered spectacular racing, the dominance of riders like Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and Jonathan Rea has somewhat limited the field’s diversity in terms of teams and contenders for victories.
To address this issue, the rule changes encompass various aspects, including a minimum rider and bike weight, modifications to crankshafts and balancing shafts, and defined rev limits. The objective is to level the playing field and create a more open competition among teams and riders. Additional adjustments, such as fuel tank capacity and fuel tank flow modifications, are also expected to narrow the performance gaps between different bikes, particularly in terms of top speed.
Lavilla emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between an exciting show and fair competition. He stated, “Everyone needs to wake up and think they can win. If you lose that, you lose the competition, and then even the ones winning will leave the competition because there is no reward with that victory.”
The WorldSBK Executive Director acknowledged the challenge of convincing manufacturers to consider the broader perspective rather than focusing solely on their individual projects. Lavilla stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure that victories are hard-fought and rewarding for all participants. He highlighted the need for manufacturers to face difficulties in winning, as it adds to the overall value of the championship.
Regarding RPMs, Lavilla made it clear that further reductions will not occur unless non-competitive teams are granted superconcessions. “RPMs will not be reduced anymore except if some manufacturers that aren’t competitive have superconcessions,” Lavilla explained. The cautious approach to superconcessions is rooted in the unpredictability of performance gains when implementing new parts. Lavilla outlined the agreed-upon principle that if a team fits a part resulting in a performance advantage, the RPMs will be adjusted to maintain fair competition.
As WorldSBK strives to enhance the competitive landscape, these rule changes signal a commitment to providing fans with thrilling racing while ensuring that all teams and manufacturers have a genuine chance to succeed.
