The novelty was announced among the decisions of the last Superbike Commission meeting, although it has not yet been specified how many extra test days will be and not even what are the terms for obtaining these concessions. The press release refers only to a points system, which could therefore be similar to that of MotoGP.
Honda and BMW are the manufacturers who have the most chance of benefiting from this new rule, given that they have always remained far from being able to “copy” the performances of Ducati, Kawasaki and Yamaha since they made their return to the derivative scene. series.
Honda finished last in the constructors’ standings in 2021, despite having scored a couple of podiums with Alvaro Bautista. BMW preceded it, managing to return to victory with Michael van der Mark in Portimao. A success, however, arrived in the Superpole Race, especially in the wet.
Under current rules, all manufacturers are allowed to complete a maximum of 10 days of private testing during the year, in addition to the official Dorna test before the start of the season.
Superbike introduced a concession system in 2018, but these only concerned engine development and rpm. The inclusion of tests is a novelty that goes precisely in the direction of MotoGP.
In the premier class of two-wheelers, for example, the concession system is believed to have played a fundamental role in helping KTM to become a winning bike in the space of just a few years, considering that it made its debut in 2017.
Currently, Aprilia is the only manufacturer that can still take advantage of the MotoGP concessions and can carry out unlimited tests with the starting riders throughout the season. In addition to having the opportunity to develop the engines in the season and have two more units to complete the championship.
Half day tests reduced
Concessions linked to tests were not the only novelty introduced by the Grand Prix Commission. In fact, the half-days of testing for the 2022 season have been reduced to four. For 2023, however, it had already been agreed to reduce them to just two.
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