Ducati's Carlos Checa dominated the opening round of the Superbike World Championship, which continues at Donington Park this weekend.

Infront Sports and Media has extended broadcast agreements with ESPN/STAR, Al Jazeera and J Sport for television coverage of the FIM Superbike World Championship.

They will provide full live coverage, as well as delayed and highlights coverage of the events starting from the next round on 27 March, held at Donington Park in the United Kingdom.

The extensions of the broadcast agreements cover the Asian and Middle East territories. ESPN/STAR has committed for a further five years and will continue to broadcast to fans across the whole Asian region whilst Al Jazeera and J Sport have each extended for a further three years covering the Middle East and Japan respectively.

“Media coverage of the FIM Superbike World Championship now is well-established in the Asian and Middle East markets with leading regional broadcasters showing long-term commitment to the series,” Stephan Herth, executive director Summer Sports, said.

“Especially the further development in Asia remains a clear priority for us, as the market has a strong potential mainly for manufacturers but also in terms of new fan and sponsor levels.”

Overall, the FIM Superbike World Championship is broadcast today in approximately 175 countries and the 2010 season saw a TV audience increase of 33 percent compared to the previous year.

With more than 3000 broadcast hours of coverage, it reached a cumulative audience of 498 million viewers for the series.

Infront markets all forms of media rights to the Superbike series on a worldwide basis, including TV and new media, offering live, delayed and highlights coverage.

The company also handles media production of the leading road racing series for production-based motorcycles, investing considerable efforts to further enhance its appeal for the broadcasters and their audience.

At the upcoming round in Donington Park, Infront will introduce the feature of new on-board cameras – adding even greater excitement for the viewer as they experience the fast on track action from the viewpoint of the rider.

On an average race weekend, coverage is produced from seven events amounting to over 350 minutes of live material.

Full race feeds consist of circuit intro, pit lane, pit garage, pit wall and grid action, podium and post-race interviews (with international sound and English commentary provided) through a world feed with a commentator and sport expert.

In addition – for the first time this year- Infront produces ‘On the Spot’, a dedicated SBK news feed for each round which has proven highly popular with broadcasters and production companies.