SBK: "New 2003 rules for WSBK and WSS"

[Noise]

A limitation on the number of rear tyres each rider can use in SBK qualifying and Superpole will come into play from January 1st 2003, in an attempt to level the playing field for privateer teams. Only rear covers are affected, with the exact wording of the rules as follows:

“At each event, during free practices, qualifying practices and Superpole, a maximum of 13 rear slick tyres may be used. A Technical Steward must mark these 13 tyres. There is no restriction on the number of front or wet tyres that may be used. On race day, there is no restriction on the number of rear slick tyres that may be used. During free practices, qualifying practices and Superpole, no motorcycle may enter the track without the rear slick tyre being marked. If a rider is given a red flag during a Superpole lap for reasons beyond the rider's control, the Technical Director may allow and additional rear slick tyre to be used.”

After some controversial moments in 2002, another regulation has been clarified and extended, as follows:

“Electric fuel pumps must be wired through a circuit cut-out, which will operate automatically when the motorcycle is on its side. This circuit cutout must de-activate the fuel pump and the ignition system within one second. The de-activation of the fuel pump and the ignition system may be checked anytime during the event at the instruction of the Technical Director.”

The new fuel pump regs also apply to Supersport machines. For the Supersport class, which runs very different tyre regulations from the more liberal racing class of Superbikes new tyre regs have also been brought in, as follows:

“Tyres must be a fully moulded type carrying all size and sidewall marking of the tyres for commercial sale to the public. Tyres of V and Z rating must be used. The depth of the tyre treads must be at least 2.5 mm over the entire tyre pattern width at a pre-race control. The tyres must have a positive and negative tread of 96% positive and minimum 4% negative (land and sea ratio). The maximum distance from the external edge of the tyre to 50% of the tread elements is 35 mm.

One size for the front and two sizes for the rear are allowed. Each size, front and rear, must be available with the same tread pattern as the commercial tyres for the road use. The manufacturers may only submit one front and rear pattern for approval. The previous approved tyre pattern will expire one year after the introduction of a new approved tyre pattern.

The FIM/CCR will grant the approval. The manufacturers must submit the tyre for approval 30 days prior to its first use. Templates proving the land and sea ratio must be included. The tyres must have a DOT and/or E mark. The DOT and/or E mark must appear on the tyre sidewall.

Only when a race or practice has been declared "wet", the use of a special tyre commonly known as a full wet tyre is allowed. Wet tyres must be a fully moulded tyre, no hand cutting is allowed on moulded tyres. The use of hand cut tyres is not allowed. Wet tyres do not need to carry DOT or E marks; however these tyres must be marked "Not for Highway Use" or "NHS".

At each event, during free practices and qualifying practices, a maximum of 12 rear tyres may be used. A Technical Steward must mark these 12 tyres. There is no restriction on the number of front or wet tyres that may be used. On race day, there is no restriction on the number of rear tyres that may be used. During free and qualifying practice, no motorcycle may enter the track without the rear tyre being marked.”

With the ever-advancing march of technology on the Supersport class, some rules have been altered to keep up with new breed of 600cc streetbikes:

“The use of titanium valves are permitted for use in machines that are equipped with titanium valves in the original homologated machine.”

To allow greater numbers of 1000cc, four-cylinder Superbikes to compete in 2003, the homologation rules have been altered somewhat, as follows:

“A manufacturer having a valid Stocksport or Superproduction homologation for a 1000cc 4-cylinder motorcycle will automatically receive a Superbike homologation for this motorcycle. This will be done by adding the motorcycle to the Superbike homologation list and informing the manufacturer.

If the manufacturer wishes to add an optional carburation instrument, a homologation of the optional carburation instrument will be required. The FIM will charge the homologation fee.

If no Stocksport or Superproduction homologation exists, then a new Superbike homologation will be required.”

All of these regulations will take effect from 01/01/2003.

Vir: SBK