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Added on the 04/07/2018 12:15:10 - Copyright : Auto Moto EN
After the long winter break, the Superbike World Championship kicks off from the legendary Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. From 22 to 24 February, the Australian track will host the 1st round of the season. Opened in December 1956, is has hosted World Superbike races since 1990. With 55 races, it is the most used circuit of the World Superbike and the only one in the southern hemisphere.The decision to race in February, during the height of summer, ensures riders temperatures well above those of the MotoGP. In 2015 the races were contested with 30 and 31 degrees (air temperature), in the 2016 with 22 degrees and in 2017 during the second race with 24 degrees. Naturally, asphalt temperature was much higher: in the last 4 years it has never dropped below 29 degrees, reaching peaks of 44 degrees.According toBrembo engineers who work closely with 15 of the World Superbike riders, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is by far the least demanding circuit for the brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it earned 1 on the difficulty index, matched only by the Assen track.
The second round of the Superbike World Championship is scheduled for 23-25 March on the Chang International Circuit. After an investment of 54 million euros was made to build this track, it was inaugurated in October 2014 and named after a local beer brand. In the three seasons that it hosted the Superbike World Championship, this Thai circuit set itself apart for its especially high temperatures: the air temperature ranged between 32 and 36 degrees and the asphalt between 42 and 50 degrees. According to Brembo engineers, who work closely with 16 of the World Superbike riders, the Chang International Circuit is by far the most demanding circuit for the brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it earned 5 on the difficulty index, matched only by the Imola and Donington tracks.
For years, the legendary circuits of MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship have been dominated by teams using Brembo braking systems. Yet another demonstration of the technological supremacy and unparalleled experience of the Italian brand in racing. Have a look at WSBK 11th Round at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours 2019 according to Brembo.
The Superbike World Championship comes to the United States: from July 22th to 24th, the Laguna Seca Raceway will host the 8th Round of the World Championship. Situated on the Monterey peninsula, 150 km from San Francisco, the circuit was inaugurated on November 9th 1957 with a race won by a 500 TR Ferrari. The track has changed 6 times from its inauguration but the latest version has not changed since 1996. Its distinctive feature is the continuous slope variations in gradient, from the well-known Corkscrew, a rapid left-right turn with an 18 meter drop in only 137 meters. Basically it is as if the motorcycles are jumping off of a 5-story building. The track's extreme windiness and the lack of long straights prevents the Superbikes from reaching speeds of up to 270 km/h, which are instead exceeded on all the other 12 World Championship tracks. This results in lots of moderate braking, except for the second bend, the only one where the brakes are used for more than 4 seconds.
"From May 25 to 27 the World Superbike Championship is back on the circuit where it all began, Donington Park, for the sixth round of the season. It was on April 3, 1988 at Donington Park that the first race of the first World Superbike Championship was held. Located in the hills of Leicestershire, Donington Park is a circuit that alternates between two very different sections: the first segment is fast and smooth while the second is full of abrupt braking sections that make it seem like a stop-and-go track. Another factor to contend with are the low temperatures that block the brakes from reaching operating temperature. In fact, during both races in 2015 the temperature of the tarmac was just 21° C and the air temperature didn't go over 14°C, although it didn't rain. According to Brembo technicians, who work closely with 16 World Superbike riders, Donington Park is a highly demanding circuit for the brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it earned a 5 on the difficulty index, exactly the same score given to the tracks at Imola and Chang."