The Superbike Commission (for Infront Motorsports it will be the last time, with Dorna doing the deed from 2014) has released the new rules for the 2013 season – some we’ve already known for several months, while others were only rumors, but now have been confirmed.
First, the twin cylinders (Ducati) will no longer have the 6 kilo weight penalty that so irritated Ducati Corse and Althea Racing’s team principal Genesio Bevilacqua, who even threatened to leave the series if they didn’t remove it – Carlos Checa said that the extra weight forced him to ride over the limit (he did however win four races).
During the Aragon SBK test Max Biaggi was already harping on about the new rule.
The new World Champion, in an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport said he doesn’t understand why they removed the weight as Ducati was competitive even with it, and without any limitations they already have half the championship in their pocket.
Superbike Minimum weight :1200 cc 2 cylinders: 165 kg1000 cc 3 and 4 cylinders: 165 kgFor 1200cc 2 cylinders: The minimum weight may be increased twice by 3kg reaching a weight of 168kg and 171kg respectively.
The upper limit is 171kg.
If this measure proves to be insufficient, then the air restrictor handicap will be applied according to the relevant provisions described in Art 2.
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”After the number of dry/wet races that the championship had this season, the Commission has decided to introduce pit stops instead of red flagging races due to changing weather conditions.
Rule 1.
23 Pit StopsA Superbike race will not be interrupted for climatic reasons except for extraordinary events and riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments must enter the pits (at any moment) and do so during the actual race.
Refueling is “strictly prohibited” and the pit stop procedure will be as follows: Riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments in the pit lane must stop in front of their garage, turn off the engine and dismount their motorcycle.
Only three mechanics, clearly identified with an official armband, are allowed to touch the motorcycle or work on it during the pit stop.
These three mechanics cannot receive any external help in the pit lane (i.
e.
passing the tools from the garage, etc.
), but the rider can help them if he wishes to do so.
A marshal will monitor the situation and report any infringement of this rule which will be penalized by the Race Direction with a ride through.
The use of power tools (maximum two at the same time, electric or pneumatic) is allowed.
Stands or lifts must operate manually and cannot be power assisted.
The use of an auxiliary starter and/or of a booster battery is allowed to restart the motorcycle.
Other rules introduced for Superbikes include three-bike grid rows, use of a red rear safety light in wet conditions or low visibility, front-brake lever protections like in MotoGP, and fake front headlight stickers that Kawasaki has already been using since the Aragon race and that Honda debuted at Magny-Cours and naturally the 17-inch wheels that the teams have already been testing.
