While the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is planning on visiting two new circuits in 2024 – Balaton Park in Hungary and Cremona in Italy, both subject to homologation – it’s a chance to take a look at the new venues while also diving into WorldSBK’s history a little bit. While the two circuits will be new, the two countries will not be with both having a rich history of World Superbike action in the past. Check out the full provisional 2024 calendar here.
A RETURN TO HUNGARY: a new venue but a warm welcome back
WorldSBK’s planned visit to Balaton Park in 2024 will mean the circuit would become the second Hungarian track the Championship has visited. Between 1988 and 1990, the Hungaroring was a staple on the calendar with Fred Merkel winning four of the six races, Adrian Morillas winning one and Raymond Roche winning the other. In total, three manufacturers – Honda, Kawasaki, and Ducati – claimed victories in Hungary. Will they be able to add to that total in 2024, or will Yamaha and BMW become Hungarian winners?
BALATON PARK: a new venue for WorldSBK
Situated near Lake Balaton and just an hour’s drive away from the stunning capital city of Budapest, the circuit is a newly-constructed 4.115km venue with six right-hand corners and 10 left-hand turns. It has fast, flowing corners, chicanes and a hairpin as well as technical sections to give a big challenge to the teams and riders when they get to taste the track for the first time in 2024.
MORE HISTORY FOR ITALY TO WRITE: will Cremona add to this?
Italy has a rich history in WorldSBK, with Ducati going through a strong run of success right now. Six different circuits have hosted WorldSBK in the country – Misano, Mugello, Vallelunga, Monza, Pergusa and Imola – with Cremona set to become the seventh. The country has 107 wins in WorldSBK, most recently through Michael Ruben Rinaldi, 422 podiums and two World Championships – courtesy of Max Biaggi in 2010 and 2012. Italy has hosted 157 WorldSBK races in the past and has two circuits – Misano and Cremona – on the 2024 calendar.
THE NEWEST ITALIAN VENUE: Cremona set for WorldSBK debut
With such a history of WorldSBK in Italy, the Cremona circuit will only add to that. With a list of changes already outlined to the circuit, the venue is already preparing for its debut on the world stage. Currently at 3.702km, the track features 13 corners in total with six to the right and seven to the left. Will Ducati be able to claim victory on home soil, with the circuit situated in the region of Lombardia, or will other manufacturers deny them?
OTHER NEW VENUES IN RECENT YEARS: Mandalika and Most provide thrills and spills
Several circuits have made their WorldSBK debut in recent seasons, including the Mandalika and Most venues. Both have provided epic moments, with Mandalika deciding two titles in three years and Most giving some epic and unforgettable racing at the sharp end of the field. Will Balaton Park and the Cremona Circuit be able to give WorldSBK more unbelievable moments when the paddock descends on them?
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Source: WorldSBK.com