The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) are proud to announce the official name of the newest entry-level racing category set to debut in 2026: World Sportbike.
This new class will replace the World Supersport 300 (WorldSSP300) category, which has played a vital role in nurturing future stars of the sport since its inception in 2017.
A Successor to WorldSSP300: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
World Supersport 300 has long been recognized as an accessible and fiercely competitive platform that has launched the careers of some of the sport’s brightest talents. Now, with the introduction of World Sportbike, the series is taking a forward-thinking step to refine the pathway for young riders aiming to reach higher levels of competition such as World Supersport and eventually World Superbike.
World Sportbike will feature lightweight, agile motorcycles powered by mid-capacity engines—offering the ideal balance of performance and manageability for rising riders. The class is designed to enhance the learning curve while delivering edge-of-your-seat racing action for fans around the world.
Celebrating the Legacy of WorldSSP300
As we look ahead, it’s also a moment to reflect on the groundbreaking moments that have defined World Supersport 300. This category didn’t just serve as a training ground—it made history.
- In 2018, Ana Carrasco became the first woman ever to win a motorcycle circuit racing world championship, a milestone that resonated far beyond motorsport and inspired riders globally.
- In 2021, Adrian Huertas captured the WorldSSP300 title and used it as a launchpad to reach the next level, eventually securing the World Supersport Championship title in 2024.
- In 2024, Aldi Mahendra made history as the first Indonesian rider to win a motorcycle racing world championship, showing how far-reaching the influence of this class has become.
These achievements are not just individual victories—they’re a testament to the critical role WorldSSP300 has played in developing world-class riders from diverse backgrounds.
Looking Ahead: World Sportbike’s Debut in 2026
The 2025 season will mark the final chapter for World Supersport 300, as manufacturers and teams begin preparations for the launch of World Sportbike. This transition signals a fresh beginning—one that maintains the spirit of accessibility and talent development while adapting to the evolving landscape of global motorcycle racing.
Further details about the technical specifications, sporting regulations, and eligibility criteria for World Sportbike will be released in due course. The new class is expected to open additional doors for participation from a broader range of manufacturers and to elevate the competitive standard even further.
Conclusion
World Sportbike represents not just a new name, but a strategic evolution of the championship’s development ladder. It’s a class built on proven success, but with its sights firmly set on the future.
As anticipation builds for 2026, the legacy of WorldSSP300 will be honored through its final season in 2025—and the torch will be passed to a new generation of riders and machines ready to leave their mark on the global stage.
Stay tuned for more information as the road to World Sportbike begins.
Official WorldSBK Press Release
