2nd
November 2008 - Opening of Autodromo internacional do Algarve
The World Superbike Championship (also known as the SBK) is
recognised worldwide for the extreme competitiveness of every
race.
The bikes that are used on the track are built on the basis
of commercially available models rather than from prototypes,
which makes the championship a thrilling competition for bike
enthusiasts.
The championship was launched in 1988 and there are rounds in
different parts of the world. Each round consists of two races
and the results of the races are combined to decide two world
championships, the riders' and the manufacturers'.
Europe is the traditional centre of the SBK, but there are also
rounds in countries such as Qatar and Australia. In 2008, the
championship returns to the USA and to Indonesia and will be
held for the first time in the far south of Portugal when the
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will be inaugurated.
"
Mad Max" amongst the stars
Among the star motorcyclists will be the Italian Max Biaggi
("Mad Max"), the top rider who swapped Moto GP for
the adrenaline of the SBK, as did Brazilian Alex Barros. Following
the departure of British champion James Toseland, the remaining
28 riders include the Spaniards Carlos Checa and Ruben Xaus,
the Japanese Noriyuki Haga, the Australian Troys Bayliss and
the Turkish Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu.
The championship is regulated by the FIM, the International
Motorcycling Federation, and it is managed and promoted by FGSport.
Algarve News mainpage