Withdrawals, controversies, dancing bikes… The World Superbike Championship didn't disappoint with its usual mix of incidents and revelations in 2011, some certainly better received than others…
Indeed, a look back at the ten most-read World Superbike articles on
Crash.net reveals some interesting trends, not least three stories involving controversial Max Biaggi-related incidents, while speculation involving the future of Kawasaki and Ducati was also popular.
Sadly, it was a negative article that would top the pile in 2011, with the magnitude of Yamaha's announcement that it was quitting the series matched only by the surprise of it.
Still, it wasn't all doom and gloom, with Crescent Suzuki confirming it is stepping up next year and, though not strictly WSBK-related, a video involving 'tango-ing' bikes certainly lifted the mood a bit! Roll on 2012…
1.
Yamaha announces WSBK withdrawal - 1 August 2011
Much like Ducati did a year earlier, Yamaha sent shockwaves through the
WSBK paddock by announcing it was withdrawing from the series. A surprising decision for many, not least riders Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty, who believed they had firm contracts for 2012 and were seemingly uninformed prior to the press discovering.
2.
'Provoked' Biaggi regrets foolish reaction - 29 March 2011
Max Biaggi didn't endear himself to many during an error-strewn
Donington Park weekend, though it was his bizarre behaviour following qualifying, when he was caught on camera 'slapping' Marco Melandri after an on-track incident, that sent the forums wild. He later apologised in this article… Sort of…
3.
Chaz Davies tests World Superbike… Aprilia! - 3 November 2011