WorldSBK - Aragon

MotorLand Aragón will host the Superbike World Championship in 2026, bringing WorldSBK, WorldSSP, and the new WorldSPB classes to the Spanish circuit. This event marks another chapter in Aragón's history with the championship, featuring top riders and teams competing on one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar.

The MotorLand Aragón Circuit

MotorLand Aragón sits in Alcañiz, within Spain's Teruel province. German architect Hermann Tilke designed the circuit in collaboration with Foster + Partners, with technical input from former Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa. The facility opened in 2009 and quickly became known for its challenging layout.

The FIM Grand Prix Circuit configuration measures 5.077 kilometers in length. The track features 17 corners, with 10 left-hand turns and 7 right-hand turns. Riders navigate the circuit in an anti-clockwise direction, making it one of only five tracks on the WSBK calendar to run this way.

Technical Challenges

The circuit presents a significant elevation change of 50 meters between its highest and lowest points. This variation creates unique challenges for riders and teams working on setup and race strategy.

The back straight stretches for 1,726 meters, making it one of the longest straights in motorcycle racing. Teams must find the perfect balance between aerodynamic efficiency and power delivery to maximize performance on this section.

Turns 8 and 9 form what many call the "Corkscrew" section. This complex features a significant drop and demands precise bike control. The layout draws comparisons to similar sections at other famous circuits. Brembo technicians rate MotorLand Aragón with a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 for braking demands. Riders apply the brakes 10 times per lap for a total of 28 seconds. Turn 1 requires bikes to slow from 275 km/h to 94 km/h in just 4 seconds.

Race Format and Classes

The weekend includes multiple practice sessions, Superpole qualifying, and three races for the WorldSBK class: Race 1, the Superpole Race, and Race 2. WorldSSP and WorldSPB classes hold their own qualifying sessions and races.

WorldSPB: A New Category

The 2026 season introduces WorldSPB, replacing the previous WorldSSP300 class. This category features production-based motorcycles from various manufacturers, including the Yamaha R7, Aprilia RS 660, Honda CBR600RR, Kove 450RR, Suzuki GSX-8R, Triumph Daytona 660, Kawasaki ZX-6R 636, and CFMoto 675 SR-R.

Technical regulations include a performance balancing system with engine concession parts, torque-limited maps with rev limits, and minimum weight requirements. These measures ensure competitive parity between different manufacturers. Bikes in this class produce approximately 90 horsepower.

Rider age limits apply for WorldSPB. The minimum age is 16 years. New riders entering the WorldSBK paddock through WorldSPB must be 25 years old or younger. Experienced riders who previously competed in WorldSSP300 or WorldWCR can participate until age 28.

Both WorldSSP and WorldSPB classes feature a maximum grid size of 34 riders, including one wildcard entry.

Teams and Riders

The 2026 WorldSBK grid features several strong teams and accomplished riders. Aruba.it Racing – Ducati fields Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona. ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team brings Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci to Motorland Aragon. Pata Maxus Yamaha runs Andrea Locatelli and Xavi Vierge.

Honda HRC enters Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra. Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team features Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani. Garrett Gerloff rides for Kawasaki WorldSBK Team. Alvaro Bautista joins the Barni Ducati team, while Sam Lowes continues with Elf Marc VDS. GYTR GRT Yamaha runs Remy Gardner and Stefano Manzi, and Tarran Mackenzie continues with MGM Racing Performance.

Technical Regulations

The SBK Commission has implemented changes to fuel flow meter data regulations. Manufacturers carrying over maximum reduction limits may face penalties. Teams and manufacturers are limited to two certified fuels for the entire season.

History at Aragón

MotorLand Aragón joined the World Superbike Championship calendar in 2011, becoming the fifth Spanish track to host the series. Marco Melandri and Max Biaggi won the inaugural races at the circuit. Carlos Checa became the first Spanish rider to reach the podium at Aragon.

The circuit hosted the 700th WorldSBK race in 2016. Chaz Davies achieved multiple victories at the Spanish venue during his career. Alvaro Bautista and Jonathan Rea share the record for most wins at Aragon as of the end of the previous season.

The MotorLand Complex

MotorLand Aragón extends beyond the main race circuit. The complex includes a technology park focused on the motor industry, a sports area with a karting track and gravel circuits, and a leisure area featuring a hotel. This comprehensive approach makes the facility a hub for motorsports activities in the region.

After hosting MotoGP as a replacement venue in its first season, MotorLand Aragón received the "Best Grand Prix of the Year" award from IRTA. This recognition was unique for a circuit in its debut season.

What to Expect

The Aragon race weekend promises close competition across all three classes. The circuit's technical nature rewards riders who master the elevation changes and braking zones. The long back straight provides opportunities for overtaking, while the Corkscrew section tests rider skill and bravery.

Teams arrive at Motorland Aragon with data from previous visits, but the new WorldSPB class adds fresh competition to the weekend. Weather conditions in Teruel can vary, potentially adding another variable to race strategy.

Fans following the action will see multiple races across the weekend, with each class offering different racing styles and competitive battles. The combination of experienced champions and rising talent creates an interesting dynamic across the grid.