Twin-cylinder bikes given weight parity
The FIM has confirmed it will give twin-cylinder bikes a further weight reduction of 3kg for the final four rounds of the World Superbike Championship following another review of regulations - bringing them directly into line with their 4-cylinder rivals.
The new weight rules were introduced at the start of 2008 due to Ducati's decision to bring the larger capacity 1200cc 1098/1198 to the championship.
This minimum weight has already been reduced by 3kg ahead of the seventh round of the series at Miller Motorsports Park by virtue of the 'average value of event' that currently favours the 1000cc 4-cylinder bikes.
A second review has since taken place over the last three events with the FIM agreeing that the twin-cylinder machines - which solely affects the six Ducatis on the grid - should receive another 3kg weight break as stipulated in the regulations.
It means Ducati, despite having a larger cubic capacity, will now be able to have minimum weight of 162kg, the same as its Aprilia, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, BMW and Kawasaki rivals.
A statement read: "The new minimum weight for 1200cc 2-cylinder motorcycles shall be 162 Kg, a reduction of 3 Kg as stipulated in Article 2.4.4.2 (Minimum Weight Adjustments) of the FIM rulebook.
"The minimum weight for 1000cc 4-cylinder motorcycles shall remain unchanged at 162 Kg."
The average points difference between the twin and four-cylinder machines over the last three events was 9.5 points in the favour of the latter. This, however, would have been lower had Carlos Checa been able to complete his two wins at Miller Motorsports Park.
