New Ducati minimum weight upheld.

A new minimum weight limit of 175kg for twin-cylinder machinery competing in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship has been confirmed, effective immediately.

The introduction of the new minimum weight, which is 10kg higher than the previous value, was due to take place prior to Donington Park - but was delayed on safety grounds, since the 1098 teams hadn't had chance to test at the new limit.

The 1200cc twin-cylinders began the season with the same 165kg minimum weight as the 1000cc four-cylinders, although the average post-race weight of a 1098R during the first three rounds was actually 170.46kg.

Indeed, championship leader Shane Byrne won both races at Donington Park with his bike weighing - on average - 173.15kg, meaning that the new 175kg limit is unlikely to have a major impact, especially since there is a 2kg tolerance.

Superstock machines racing in the Superbike Cup will be allowed a lower minimum weight of 168kg, but with no tolerance.

Airwaves Ducati and North West 200 are the only teams running 1098s in the British Superbike class.

The full statement confirming that the new rules will be in effect from the forthcoming Snetterton round, on June 15, can be seen below:

"Following a meeting of the Directors of the MCRCB the following regulation amendment is announced for immediate application:

"5.2.3.2 Minimum Weight

"4 cylinder motorcycles over 750cc up to 1000cc - 165 kg.

"2 cylinder motorcycles over 750cc up to 1200cc - 175 kg.

"2 cylinder motorcycles over 750cc up to 1200cc conforming to MCRCB Superstock engine regulations competing within the Superbike Cup - 168 kg (no tolerance).

"- The use of titanium in the construction of the front forks, the handlebars and the wheel spindles is forbidden. For wheel spindles, the use of light alloys is also forbidden.

"- During the final inspection at the end of each race, the machines chosen will be weighed in the condition they finished the race.

"- The established weight limit must be met in the condition the machine finished the race. Nothing can be added to the machine including water, oil, fuel or tyres.

"- At the time of the event, the weight of the whole machine (including the tank) must be not less than the minimum weight (deleted: with a tolerance of 1kg), with a tolerance of 2kg.

"During the practice and qualifying sessions riders may be asked to submit his motorcycle to a weight control in the pit lane. (This will be done in such a way to disturb the rider and team as little as possible, but in any case the rider and team must comply with these checks).

"The change in the regulations by MCRCB is in accordance with Article A.5 of the MCRCB Sporting Code."