Eugene Laverty fears that 2013 could be the last big season for the World Superbike Championship.
With Dorna taking over control of both
MotoGP and WSBK, Laverty is among those who feel that
WSBK could be relegated to a clear secondary role - with the strongest riders migrating to MotoGP.
Reflecting on this year's three-way title fight, decided in Factory Aprilia team-mate Max Biaggi's favour by just half a point, Laverty wrote in his latest blog entry:
"Half a point between Max and Tom [Sykes] after nine months of racing is incredible.
"Infront did a great job with the championship this season and it'll go down as one of the most exciting years in the history of World Superbike.
"Nine different race winners on five different makes of machinery is a stat unrivalled by any other championship around.
"Looking ahead to next season I think it's going to be another great year for the championship, however that may not last much further than 2013 following the recent announcement of the running of the championship.
"Next year is an extremely important one for both
WSBK and
MotoGP riders as 2014 could see the strongest riders placed in the top class and the rest left behind.
"Never has there been a more important time to shine."
Dorna is planning major cost-cutting changes for
MotoGP in 2014, with a similar technical shake-up now expected in WSBK, as attempts are made to create a clearer distinction between the two Championships.