The FIM has revealed the finalised calendar for the 2009 World Superbike & Supersport Championship by confirming the return of Imola to the schedule.

The venue reappears to the calendar in 2009 as a replacement for Vallelunga, which has been left off the schedule after only two years, and comes having undergone a major refurbishment in 2008.

With a new pit complex and a revised layout that now sees an interrupted run between Rivazza and the Traguardo first corner, Imola ensures World Superbikes will be visiting Italy on three occasions (Misano included) in 2009.

The circuit, which hosted the final or penultimate rounds on the WSBK calendar from 2001 to 2006, became remembered for its memorable title showdowns, particularly in 2002 when Colin Edwards beat Troy Bayliss. Alex Barros and Bayliss were the last winners of the event in 2006.

Meanwhile, the unveiling of next year's calendar confirms that Brands Hatch won't be hosting a round. The Kent circuit, which regularly attracts one of the biggest crowds of the season, was a surprise omission from the provisional calendar following a disagreement of terms between FG Sport and MotorSport Vision. Donington Park, which has been dubbed the European round in the past, will assume the title of being the British WSBK event.

The season will start on March 1st at Phillip Island, Australia, while Kyalami will join Imola in returning to the schedule in 2009.


2009 WSBK/WSS calendar

March 1 Australia Phillip Island
March 14 Qatar Doha/Losail*
April 5 Spain Valencia
April 26 Netherlands Assen
May 10 Italy Monza
May 17 South Africa Kyalami
May 31 United States Salt Lake City
June 21 San Marino Misano
June 28 Great-Britain Donington Park
July 26 Czech Republic Brno
September 6 Germany Nürburgring
September 27 Italy Imola
October 4 France Magny-Cours
October 25 Portugal Portimão

* Saturday race