Source: Supplied.

FIM and Dorna WSBK Organisation have announced a Supersport 300 World Championship (WorldSSP 300) for the 2017 season, as a new beginner class for the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

The new production-based platform is designed to be the new beginner class for the WorldSBK series, feeding the higher categories with new talents in the near future. It’s a perfect window for the various manufacturers to showcase their new range of lightweight sportsbikes.

The category is devoted to building rider potential and discovering new talents worldwide, with a minimum rider entry age of 15. Contrary to the class title, it will include the Honda CBR500R
Kawasaki Ninja 300, Yamaha YZF-R3 and KTM RC 390. Varying weight limits and maximum RPM limits will balance the order.

“This new platform will be the perfect environment for developing future talent,” said Vito Ippolito, president of FIM. “The intention of WorldSSP 300 is to create a benchmark for national championships to follow. We want to offer an environment that is regulated and relatively equal in which future talent can grow and where manufacturers can accompany young riders as they take their first steps towards stardom..

Javier Alonso, WorldSBK executive director, said: “The focus is to have an affordable series for these young competitors. There has been great interest for low-capacity motorcycles in this sport and the new WorldSSP 300 class strives to offer that. It will be promoted by manufacturers as an easily accessible championship, the best possible platform to grow future stars where manufacturers can accompany riders from an early age and as they progress through their career.”

The Production format has proven popular in the Australian Superbike Championship in recent seasons, currently featuring Over 300 Production (301cc to 400cc) and Up to 300 Production (including 300cc) categories.