Airwaves Ducati team principal Darrell Healey says he is astounded by the announcement by the MCRCB/MSVR of changes to the technical regulations for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, which looks set to result in the title leading team withdrawing from the fourth round of the year at
Donington Park.
Ahead of the 2008 campaign, it was agreed that the new Ducati 1098R could have a higher 1200cc capacity to compensate for the twin-cylinder's lower maximum rpm potential compared to the 1000cc four-cylinders, although in return Ducati had to join its four-cylinder rivals in running standard engine components.
"It was understood by all parties that this differentiation [between 1200cc twins and 1000c fours] would be subject to periodic review and that if significant disparity was believed to exist a mechanism would be employed to balance inherent performance," said an MCRCB/MSVR statement, which has made the rule change under article A5 of the sporting code.
"After carrying out a detailed review of the performance of the twin cylinder and four cylinder machines over the first three 2008 BSB events, MCRCB consider the twin cylinder machines have enjoyed a competitive advantage and has authorised the modification of the minimum 165kg weight limit regulation for both twin and four cylinder machines by applying an increased new minimum weight limit of 175kg for twin cylinder 1200cc motorcycles."
Four of the six races held so far have been won by Airwaves rider Shane Byrne, helping the former champion to establish an early 44-point lead in the 2008 standings. Injured HM Plant Honda rider Cal Crutchlow is second in the points with the 1098s of Leon Camier (Airwaves) and Michael Rutter (NW200) third and fourth.
However, Byrne and Camier have finished every race so far - while accidents and retirements have cost fellow title contenders Crutchlow, Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) and Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) at least one race finish.
