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
