【SBK】4-cylinder engines to increase displacement from 1000 to 1200cc! Superbike World Championship 2027-2030 roadmap and new regulations announced

The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and others have announced the roadmap for the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) from 2027 to 2030, as well as rule changes that will be immediately applied from the 2026 season. Major changes for the future have been revealed, including an increase in displacement for 4-cylinder engines to 1200cc in 2030.

From 2030, 4-cylinder engines will be 1200cc! Regulation changes start next year

The Superbike Commission made important decisions at a meeting held at Donington Park in the UK, indicating the future direction of the championship. Representatives from the FIM, DWO (Dorna WorldSBK Organization), MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association), and others attended the meeting and reached an agreement on future technical regulations.

First, from the 2027 season, a manufacturer-specific engine rev limit will be introduced in combination with a fuel flow limit. This manufacturer-specific rev limit will be adjusted up or down in 500rpm increments and will be controlled by each manufacturer's software. This limit will be monitored by FIM and DWO recorders and reviewed every two rounds. Initial data is expected to be set based on each manufacturer's current revs.

Furthermore, in 2027, fuel will be supplied by a single designated supplier for the championship, and compliance with FIM Fuel Category 1 requirements will be mandatory. Also, for environmental considerations, the noise limit will be reduced by 3dB to 112dB.

Following this, in 2028, a new Rank Concession system is scheduled to be introduced, and the definition of rank itself will be rebuilt. And as the biggest change, it has been decided that in 2030, the displacement limit for 4-cylinder engines will be expanded from the current limit to a maximum of 1200cc.

Pit rules and lapped rider measures to be immediately applied from the 2026 season

In addition to the roadmap presentation, several rule changes for the ongoing 2026 season were announced, which will take effect immediately.

The rules regarding entering and exiting the pit lane have been tightened. In all sessions and races, riders must pass through the designated entry and exit points and routes indicated by dashed lines. Riders must also adhere to the prohibited routes set by Race Direction at each circuit, and failure to comply will result in penalties.

Furthermore, new rules have been established for lapped riders. Riders who pit during a race for adjustments and are two or more laps behind the leader will be prohibited from rejoining the race. This measure is intended to prevent lapped riders from interfering with other riders' races or disrupting the race development through tire change strategies aimed at achieving the fastest lap.

Additionally, it has been clarified that for the Supersport, Sportbike, and Women's classes, if a race is interrupted by a red flag and restarted, the restarted race will be contested for a minimum of 5 laps.

In addition, as a unique update for the WorldSBK class, measures against extreme heat have been introduced. In races under severe heat conditions, it will be permitted to replace the standard production radiator with a larger racing radiator.

WorldSBK Official Website (English): https://www.worldsbk.com/