Source: Supplied.

Revisions to the 2018 Motul FIM World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) regulations have been finalised following an announcement overnight, which will see three key changes for the new season.

One of the three main changes is the introduction of a rev limiting system, which replaces the existing balancing system using air restrictors. The rev limit can be altered at various points throughout the season and applies to each individual manufacturer.

A concession points system will be also be introduced to restrict engine development of the fastest
machines. At certain stages in the season teams that have achieved fewer concession points will be
allowed to introduce updated concession parts.

As a secondary benefit, the private teams will get access to cost capped engine parts to help them
reach performance levels similar to the factory supported teams.

Price caps and approval process have been applied to several key frame, suspension and engine
parts – these are called approved parts. This process ensures access and availability to all parts for all teams along with controlled pricing.

The changes are evidently aimed at tightening the gap between factory and private machines, ultimately to deliver closer and more competitive racing.

One round still remains in the 2017 WorldSBK Championship, which is scheduled for 2-4 November in Qatar. The opening round of the 2018 championship will be at Phillip Island in Victoria on 23-25 February.