Italian Round

The Italian Round of the FIM Superbike World Championship returns to Misano World Circuit "Marco Simoncelli" in 2026. This race brings WorldSBK action to the Adriatic coast of Italy, where fans witness competition across multiple classes including WorldSBK, WorldSSP, WorldWCR, and the new WorldSPB category. The circuit near Misano Adriatico in the Province of Rimini offers modern facilities and a track configuration that tests riders across 4.226 kilometers and 16 corners.

The 2026 WorldSBK Season at Misano

The 2026 WorldSBK grid features 22 riders from 14 teams representing major manufacturers. Ducati fields a strong lineup with Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona for Aruba.it Racing, Alvaro Bautista and Yari Montella for Barni Spark Racing Team, Sam Lowes for Elf Marc VDS, and Lorenzo Baldassarri for Team Pata Go Eleven. BMW Motorrad brings Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira with ROKiT BMW Motorrad, plus Tarran Mackenzie for MGM Bonovo. Yamaha enters Andrea Locatelli and Xavi Vierge with Pata Maxus Yamaha, Remy Gardner and Stefano Manzi for GYTR GRT Yamaha, and Bahattin Sofuoglu and Mattia Rato for Motoxracing Yamaha. Honda HRC fields Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, while Bimota by Kawasaki enters Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani.

Race Weekend Format

The Italian Round follows the standard WorldSBK format with three races for the premier class. Race 1 takes place on Saturday, followed by the Superpole Race and Race 2 on Sunday. Support categories including WorldWCR, WorldSPB, and WorldSSP also compete throughout the weekend. Each race provides opportunities for different strategies and outcomes, with varying distances and grid formations adding variety to the competition.

Misano World Circuit Details

The circuit opened in 1972 and has evolved significantly over five decades. The track measures 4.226 kilometers (2.626 miles) and runs clockwise, a direction adopted in 2006 to meet modern safety standards. The layout includes 16 corners and a longest straight of 530 meters. The circuit provides smooth tarmac and can accommodate 60,000 spectators. Since 2012, the venue has carried the name of Marco Simoncelli, the Italian MotoGP rider who passed away in 2011 and had strong connections to the local area.

Location and Access

The circuit sits on the Adriatic coast near popular destinations like Rimini, Riccione, and Cattolica. The Republic of San Marino is also nearby. This location makes the venue accessible for fans traveling from across Italy and Europe. The coastal setting provides additional attractions beyond the racing itself.

Technical Regulations for 2026

WorldSBK uses modified production motorcycles. Manufacturers must produce 2,000 units to homologate a new model. Each team receives an allocation of seven engines per season. Pirelli supplies all tires as the official single tire supplier, with teams receiving 24 tires per race weekend. A minimum tire pressure of 24 psi applies. The maximum fuel tank capacity is 21 liters, and bikes maintain a minimum weight of 168 kg. Riders weighing below 80kg must add 50% of the weight difference to their machine. Each manufacturer or team can use a maximum of two FIM Category 1 certified fuels for the entire season.

New WorldSPB Class

The 2026 season introduces the WorldSPB (World Sportbike Championship) class, which replaces WorldSSP300. This category unifies mid-capacity production machines and balances performance across twin, triple, and four-cylinder engines through controlled technical freedoms and cost-capped components. Manufacturers in the inaugural WorldSPB season include Aprilia, Kawasaki, Kove, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha. The maximum age for new contracted WorldSPB riders is 25, extended to 28 for experienced riders from previous WorldSSP300 or Women's Circuit Racing World Championships. The minimum age is 16.

Circuit History and Heritage

Misano World Circuit was originally designed in 1969 with a length of 3.488 km. The circuit has undergone several modifications, growing to 4.060 km in 1993, then 4.180 km in 2006, before reaching its current 4.226 km configuration. The 2006 changes included the switch to a clockwise direction, which allowed the venue to host major international motorcycle championships again. Misano has appeared on the WorldSBK calendar since 1991 and has hosted 33 rounds, making it one of the championship's longest-serving circuits. A recent agreement extends its hosting rights until 2031, confirming its continued importance to the series.

Unique Features of Misano

Misano World Circuit stands out as a fully floodlit facility, which enables night racing events. The track layout remains largely flat but creates close racing and multiple overtaking opportunities. The venue generates strong atmospheres during major race weekends, with passionate crowds supporting both local and international riders. The Italian Round at Misano represents a key event for Italian manufacturers and riders, adding extra motivation and competition to the weekend. The circuit's long partnership with WorldSBK reflects its economic significance to the region and its appeal to teams, riders, and fans alike.