World Superbikes tighten rules on wings

The World Superbike championship has clarified its rules on wings and aerodynamic aids with parts used on the standard homologated bike only permitted to be raced with.

Following the advancements in wings led by the launch of Ducati’s V4 R Panigale at the start of this year, manufacturers have begun to trial aerodynamic devices in the pursuit of performance gains.

Earlier this month MotoGP clarified its wing regulations with the introduction of a ‘flex test’ while moving aerodynamic parts have been banned. Each manufacturer is allowed two fairing updates per season which must fall within the current parameters permitted.

With the core of the World Superbike rules founded on homologation to the road-going bikes, wings and aerodynamic aids including active or dynamic parts will only be allowed if used on the standard homologation with any range of movement sticking to the same as the road bike’s ‘normal use’ and not a mechanical maximum.

The technical rule change on wings headlines a raft of minor tweaks including checks on tyre pressures which can now be carried out at any time from pit lane to a rider leaving pit exit.

On the sporting and disciplinary regulations for 2020, a handful of changes have also been introduced which fall in line with rules introduced in MotoGP and EWC.

Any track limit violations on the last lap of a race that affect a race result must show the rider in question being disadvantaged and if the FIM Stewards see no clear disadvantage then they can penalise the rider with a change of position or time penalty. Any rider shown the Black Flag with Orange Disk must leave the track and can only be authorised by an official to return to the track.