WorldSBK - Prosecco DOC UK Round

The Prosecco DOC UK Round brings the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship to Donington Park in the United Kingdom. This event represents a major stop for WorldSBK, showcasing the fastest production-based racing championship in global motorsports. The Grand Prix circuit at Donington Park provides a demanding test for riders and machines, combining high-speed sections with technical corners and significant elevation changes.

Race Format and Schedule

The Prosecco DOC UK Round features three headline WorldSBK races across the weekend. The format begins with a Superpole qualifying session that determines grid positions for the races. Saturday includes Race 1, while Sunday delivers both the Superpole Race and Race 2. WorldSBK races close out each day's action, providing the finale for fans at the circuit. Support classes join the program, including World Supersport and the new World Sportbike Championship, which replaces the World Supersport 300 class.

The Circuit

Donington Park sits near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England. The Grand Prix circuit measures 4.020 km (2.498 miles) and contains 12 corners. The layout challenges riders with varied corner types and elevation changes throughout the lap.

Key Track Sections

The Craner Curves open the lap with a high-speed, sweeping sequence that requires commitment and aerodynamic stability. Riders then approach the Old Hairpin, a downhill entry corner that demands precise braking. McLeans follows as a fast, sweeping right-hander where riders balance speed and control. Coppice presents a challenging double-apex right-hander that proves crucial for maintaining momentum onto the Dunlop Straight. The lap concludes with Melbourne Hairpin and Goddards, a low-speed switchback section that offers prime overtaking opportunities before the sprint to the finish line.

Competitors and Teams

The 2026 WorldSBK grid features 22 permanent riders across 14 teams representing 8 nationalities. Aruba.it Racing - Ducati fields Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona. ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team enters Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira. Pata Maxus Yamaha brings Andrea Locatelli and Xavi Vierge to the championship.

The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team runs Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani. Honda HRC enters Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, both transitioning from MotoGP. Barni Spark Racing Team features Alvaro Bautista and Yari Montella. ELF Marc VDS Racing Team enters Sam Lowes, while GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team fields Remy Gardner and Stefano Manzi.

Team Goeleven runs Lorenzo Baldassarri. MGM Racing Performance Team enters Tarran Mackenzie. Kawasaki WorldSBK Team brings Garrett Gerloff to the series. Motocorsa Racing fields Alberto Surra. Motoxracing WorldSBK Team enters Bahattin Sofuoglu and Mattia Rato. Cainam Racing Team runs Andrea Iannone.

Technical Regulations

World Superbike motorcycles are tuned versions of production road bikes that are available to the public. The 2026 FIM Superbike Technical Regulations require motorcycles to be normally aspirated and comply with FIM homologation procedures. Engine configurations allow for over 750cc up to 1000cc for 4-stroke 3- and 4-cylinder engines. The regulations also permit over 850cc up to 1200cc for 4-stroke 2-cylinder engines.

The displacement capacity, including bore and stroke, must remain at the homologated size. The SBK Commission has worked on introducing fuel flow meter data principles. The new World Sportbike Championship has a minimum age requirement of 16 and a maximum age of 25 for new contracted riders in the category, extended to 28 for those who have previously participated.

Donington Park in WorldSBK History

Donington Park holds a unique position in World Superbike history. The circuit hosted the very first WorldSBK round on April 3, 1988, where Davide Tardozzi on a Bimota and Marco Lucchinelli on a Ducati claimed the inaugural race victories. The venue has remained a regular fixture on the championship calendar, establishing itself as a spiritual home for the series. Ducati has achieved the most podiums at Donington Park, with Kawasaki following closely behind.

Notable Facts About Donington Park

Donington Park is England's first permanent park circuit, with racing history dating back to 1931. The circuit closed during World War II and served as a military vehicle depot. The track hosted the 1993 European Formula One Grand Prix, where Ayrton Senna delivered a memorable wet-weather performance. A memorial to Senna stands at the track today.

Beyond motorsport, Donington Park serves as the long-time host of the Download rock festival. Jonathan Palmer's MotorSport Vision organization owns the circuit business and leases the land from the Wheatcroft family until 2038. The circuit's significant elevation changes add to its unique character and create additional challenges for riders competing at the venue.

What to Expect at the Prosecco DOC UK Round

The Prosecco DOC UK Round at Donington Park promises action across multiple racing classes. The challenging circuit layout creates opportunities for overtaking and close racing. Fans can watch riders navigate the demanding corners and elevation changes that define this historic venue. The weekend offers a full program of World Superbike, World Supersport, and World Sportbike Championship races, showcasing production-based motorcycle racing at its highest level.