Police in all states will be out in force over the Australia Day long weekend with double demerits applying from tomorrow (24 January 2020) in NSW, the ACT and Western Australia until midnight Monday.
in NSW, they’re calling it Operation Safe Return and they are asking motorists to “look after themselves and others in the true spirit of ‘mateship’ this Australia Day long weekend”.
They promise a high-visibility presence.
Be aware that one high-range speeding offence could be enough to get your licence suspended for several months under double demerit points.
Double demerits danger
Riders from Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australiapassing through NSW, ACT or WA during any declared holiday period do not cop the double demerits.
However, Queensland riders should note that there is also a double-demerit points system effectively in place all year round.
The law in Queensland is that double points do apply to speeding offences of 21km/h or greater over the speed limit and seatbelt offences if they occur more than once within a 12 month period.
If you incur the penalty in another state, it still applies as if it happened in Queensland.
“For example if you commit two speeding offences of driving 21km/h over the speed limit in a 12 month period, you will be allocated four demerit points for the first offence and four demerit points for the second offence plus an additional four demerit points,” he says.
“This means that you will have accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12 month period and you risk having your licence suspended.”
How demerit points are recorded
Double points apply in NSW and ACT over the Australia Day weekend, Easter, Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day and Christmas/New Year.
In WA, the double points apply on Australia Day (unless it falls on a week day), Labour Day, Easter, Anzac Day (unless it falls on a week day), Western Australia Day, Queen’s Birthday, and Christmas/New Year.
If a rider in another state commits a traffic offence in a state during a double-demerit period, the offence is recorded as a double demerit offence on their traffic history in the state where the offence happened.
The state licensing authority will then report the offence to the transport department in your state who will record the offence on your traffic history.
However, the double points will only apply in Queensland under the circumstances described above.
Choice of penalty
Stephen says that if you have committed a traffic offence recently and you receive a Queensland Transport notice that you have accumulated your allowed demerits, you will have a choice of a good driving behaviour period or a licence suspension for a period.
“When considering whether to agree to a good behaviour driving behaviour period and a licence suspension, it is important that a licence holder understands that accepting a suspension of their licence may preclude them from making an Application for a Special Hardship Order or an Application for a Restricted (Work) Licence for the next five years,” he warns.
If you are unsure about how many demerit points you have, you can search your record online at your state’s transport department website or call them and request a copy of your traffic history.
Speaking to motogp.com, Cuzari is hoping Manzi and fellow Italian Simone Corsi can pick up where MV Agusta Temporary Forward left off in 2019. “In terms of sporting results, I prefer to remain conservative. There is greater serenity in the company and this also affects the team, we are much more involved and supported by the MV owner, this is only good for us,” said Cuzari, talking about expectations for 2020.
Ricky Brabec: “It’s a dream come true. Hopefully we can come back next year and repeat it. I know it’s not going to be easy as the Husky and KTM boys will be breathing down our necks. I’m really excited to be here for Honda and for America as well. To be the only American to accomplish this goal is amazing. I think it’s really a dream come true. Now we’ve got to set our goals higher and accomplish more. We are going to come back next year and try and repeat this but, as I said, it’s not easy. We are happy. It was a big, tough race. A lot of kilometers. The team worked great together. The riders were good and the whole team worked well together, so I’m really happy. The bikes were really good. We are all here. We are all happy and safe. That was the first goal. I can’t thank everyone enough—Honda, Monster, and every one of the sponsors behind us. Thank you all so much. It’s the first time in Saudi Arabia. The scenery was insane! I love it. Hopefully I’ll be back next year. I’ve got a five-year contract so I think we’ll be back.”
It was also a vindication of the concession rules for MotoGP™: in 2017, Suzuki had taken a wrong turn, and chosen a crankshaft which was too heavy. A season without podiums meant the Hamamatsu factory wasn’t constrained by the engine development freeze for 2018, and could bring updates throughout the season. That allowed to get the project back on the right path, and be competitive again. In 2018, Alex Rins and Andrea Iannone racked up nine podiums between them. In 2019, Suzuki managed just three podiums, but two of those were wins, at Austin and Silverstone, and Rins scored a total of 205 points, 36 more than the year before, finishing fourth overall, one better than 2018.
The launch begins at 20:00 local time and you will be able to watch it LIVE on motogp.com. In addition to the live broadcast, highlights of the presentation and interviews with Dovizioso, Petrucci and Ducati hierarchy will be available. motogp.com will also have a photo gallery of the new-look Ducatis, allowing you to take a closer look at what could be a 2020 Championship-winning machine.
US pre-season on the cards for Penrite Honda’s Webster
Section: Competition
MX2 title contender to contest selected New Zealand MX Nationals rounds.
Image: Supplied.
Penrite Honda Racing’s Kyle Webster is set to embark on a pre-season campaign in America as he prepares for the upcoming 2020 MX Nationals series.
The MX2 title-favourite is understood to be testing with KYB suspension while in the States, where the Penrite Honda team is currently fielding Luke Clout and Mitchell Oldenburg in the 250SX West category of Monster Energy Supercross.
Webster is still uncertain on the final details of his trip, as he also intends to contest rounds two and three of the New Zealand MX Nationals that are due to take place at the end of February and beginning of March.
“It’s sort of just come around, and I don’t completely know what’s happening yet,” Webster explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I think it will be really cool and a really good experience.
“To be able to ride some different tracks is going to be awesome, I’m really looking forward to it, especially being able to work with those guys over there.
“It’s definitely a solid group of people. I’m going to watch a Supercross as well over there, so that will be sick because it’s been a long time since I’ve been to one. It should be good fun.”
The 23-year-old claimed runner-up honours in the 2019 MX Nationals MX2 title fight before representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations, and then signed a deal with the factory Honda outfit for this season after four years with the satellite CRF Honda Racing squad.
Team Australia may have its stable of superstars competing in the 2020 International Island Classic at Phillip Island this Australia Day long weekend (January 24-26), but America arrives with a seriously strong line-up including American husband and wife duo Josh Hayes and Melissa Paris – the first woman to compete in the multi-nation International Challenge.
The potent road racing combo – Hayes is a multiple AMA superbike champion and Paris has competed in world supersport and endurance events – will combine with riders like Jordan Szoke, Taylor Knapp and Larry Pegram as America attempts to seize the International Challenge trophy from Australia across the four six-lap races.
Josh Hayes #4 – Image Russ Colvin
Hayes and Paris will also bring their young son, two-year old Hawk, to Australia with the youngster destined to be a mascot for the American effort.
Paris made her professional debut in 2009 at Daytona – the same year she became the first woman to qualify for a world supersport event – admits she was a “bit jealous” about all the fun that Josh had during his Island Class debut in 2019.
“Josh knows I get a bit grumpy hanging around the race track when I don’t get to ride,” says Melissa. “So when (American team captain) Dave Crussell offered to let me ride one of his Yamaha TZ750s in 2020, it was really a no-brainer.”
Melissa Paris
Paris tested the TZ750 at Willow Springs Raceway in California earlier this year, and she’s looking forward to riding it at Phillip Island.
“Secretly, two-stroke road racers have always been my jam,” says Melissa. “That being said I was pretty intimidated to test the TZ750… but when I actually got on track it wasn’t as overwhelming as I expected. I think it’s going be a big challenge for me to figure out how to go fast on it… but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to! “
Paris made headlines when she competed in the 2017 Le Mans 24-hour world endurance race while in her early pregnancy with son Hawk.
“We realised I was pregnant about five minutes before I left to the airport to go to Le Mans,” Paris continued. “My mid-wife told me I was safe to race as long as I fitted into my leathers… so yeah, I was able to race until about four months.
“I think Hawk thinks motorcycle noises are lullabies because most nights he goes to sleep watching MotoGP races. He loves going for rides on motorcycles, too.
“Josh and I both genuinely love riding, whether it’s at a world-class circuit or just goofing off in the backyard on dirt bikes, so to get to share that with Hawk has been really cool.“
Melissa Paris
Meanwhile, Hayes is delighted to be returning in 2020 after finishing the 2019 event on a high with victory in the final race.
“The 2019 Island Classic was awesome,” Hayes said. “The views coming onto the front straight were incredibly distracting at first, and in the first race I was quite taken back by the level of competition on these classic era bikes. Even got my feelings hurt a few times!
“But when I was able to win the final race, and returned to our pit to find the captains of all the other teams there to celebrate alongside us, I knew this was a special event – more about two-wheel passion than business, and something that I wanted to continue to be a part of!
“America got close in 2019, and I definitely see room for improvement and have high expectations for 2020. We missed a little on consistency in our results, which I know we can improve, but Dave Crussell and the rest of the American contingent have worked hard to improve our equipment also, so we are looking for big things.
“I’m looking to build on that first American team win for 2020, and hopefully put a lot of pressure on Australia and the returning UK team.”
Unlike his wife, Hayes is going down the four-stroke route at Phillip Island on a Mojo Yamaha FJ-based machine housed in a CMR F1 chassis.
Josh Hayes #4 – Image Russ Colvin
“I will definitely be a little more prepared for this upcoming Island Classic verses last year,” Hayes said. “I hadn’t ridden competitively in over 14 months for the last one. This time I’ve got some laps under my belt, and I’m familiar with the bike and the track.
“Hopefully it shows in my riding, and for Melissa and Hawk to get to experience Australia with me is just icing on the cake.”
The United Kingdom completes the 2020 International Challenge roster, with practice and qualifying beginning on January 24 ahead of the four races across Saturday and Sunday.
Qualifying begins on Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Close to 400 solo bikes will compete at Phillip Island, where the six classes will face one qualifying session and five races.
Individual accolades will also include the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the rider who accrues the most points outside the International Challenge races.
Tickets at the gate
Tickets are available at the gate from 8am Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Children 15 and under are free, accompanied by a full-paying adult. On circuit camping is also available with 24 hour check-in from Thursday at 7am with entry via gate 2.
Increasing comfort the target for Lowes in Jerez WorldSBK test
Section: Competition
British contender continues transition to Kawasaki Racing Team.
Image: Supplied.
Alex Lowes is hoping to increase his comfort aboard the Ninja ZX-10RR at this week’s Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) test at Jerez as he continues his transition to the Kawasaki Racing Team.
The British contender is focused on finalising his set-up before heading to Australia for the season-opener at Phillip Island, explaining the off-season how allowed him to highlight several key areas to improve on.
“I am looking forward to the tests after the winter break and it is going to be nice to get back out riding,” Lowes explained. “With only these two days scheduled before we get out to Australia for the opening round I am hoping for some decent weather to get back up to speed and blow the winter cobwebs off.
“We will start getting focused and dialled in for the first race. We had a good first test back in November and since then there have been a few little things that we highlighted I wanted to improve.
“Even still a few little things with riding position, things like that, so we will focus on them and get as comfy as possible on the bike. That is actually the only target I have got; make sure the bike feels like my own before we get over to Australia and get the year started.”
Testing commences today at the Spanish venue before wrapping up on Thursday.
First official WSBK Test of 2020 at Jerez this week
With seasoned riders moving teams, temporary replacements and the much anticipated first public test of the HRC Honda team, there’s plenty to keep an eye on across the two days.
The Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK field both Jonathan Rea and new team-mate Alex Lowes at the Spanish circuit. The pair were first and fourth respectively the last time they visited Jerez, with Rea finishing with nearly a full second advantage over nearest rival.
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager
“This is an important test to prepare for the opening Australian round. We have all technical jobs done so we have to check a few details at this time; then give the riders the opportunity to make some more kilometers with their bikes on track. More important now is for them to start set their rhythm. I know Johnny and Alex are working even more than ever, so in this area I’m quite calm. I’m totally convinced we have them ready and very well trained. The motivation from Jonathan to continue winning is amazing. How Alex took the chance to improve on his third position from 2019 – to try and surprise everybody in Australia – is incredible. I know very well that we will start racing in Australia, were unfortunately they have suffered many bush fires in the last weeks. We hope we can bring a nice show to provide good entertainment to all the Australian fans and give some positive moments to help a little with all the difficult times they have passed through.”
Rea showed them a clean pair of heels at the Jerez test in November
The Ulsterman comes into the test with positive feelings, have been crowned Irish Motorcyclist of the Year on Friday 17th January.
Jonathan Rea
“It is super-nice to start the year with a test at Jerez. We will try to continue on from where we left off last year, when were both fast and consistent. The nicest thing is catching up with the team again and putting all our ideas together. It is important to continue improving the base set-up of our Ninja ZX-10RR. We just need to confirm some different directions we took in November and then get ready for Australia. This Jerez test is more about understanding where we left off last year and confirming some things. We just need to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as it is always a gamble in January. We are as far south in Europe as we can be to guarantee consistent weather, but you never really know. Hopefully we can get some good work done. I will enjoy riding my bike again to set us up for going down under in a few weeks’ time.”
Jonathan Rea
For Alex Lowes, he will be eager to carry on dialling in his feelings and developing the ZX-10RR to his liking. Lowes will be eager to crack the top three this time around.
Alex Lowes
“I am looking forward to the tests after the winter break and it is going to be nice to get back out riding. With only these two days scheduled before we get out to Australia for the opening round I am hoping for some decent weather to get back up to speed and blow the winter cobwebs off. We will start getting focused and dialled in for the first race. We had a good first test back in November and since then there have been a few little things that we highlighted I wanted to improve. Even still a few little things with riding position, things like that, so we will focus on them and get as comfy as possible on the bike. That is actually the only target I have got; make sure the bike feels like my own before we get over to Australia and get the year started.”
Alex Lowes
A prominent force back in November and with a new rider in their set-up, the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team are eager to narrow the gap to Rea at the top of the timesheets.
Five officially supported YZF-R1M machines will be on the WorldSBK grid in 2020
Andrea Dosoli – Yamaha Road Racing Manager
“2020 marks the fifth season since Yamaha’s return to WorldSBK competition in 2016 with the YZF-R1 and now we also have the new 2020 YZF-R1 to help us challenge for victories. Alongside this, Yamaha’s Official Team has one of the most exciting rider line-ups ever seen in WorldSBK, as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joins Michael van der Mark to create a talented, young, aggressive team that we hope will allow us to challenge for the World Championship title, our ultimate goal.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joins Michael van der Mark in the Pata Yamaha squad
“The GRT squad embarks upon its second year of WorldSBK competition with a strengthened team structure and, more importantly, a full season of experience to draw from. Supported as our Junior Team for 2020 onwards, the GRT Yamaha platform is an important addition to the bLU cRU rider development program, allowing talented younger Yamaha riders to progress to the very top of the production racing pyramid. Having shown winning ability and fighting spirit in 2019’s MotoAmerica series on his Yamaha USA YZF-R1, we are delighted to welcome Garrett Gerloff to WorldSBK, who joins 23-year-old Italian Federico Caricasulo, last year’s World Supersport runner-up on his R6, in the GRT squad. Both these riders are very ambitious, and we look forward to seeing them progressing as the season develops and challenging the fastest riders in the Championship.
GRT Yamaha will field Garrett Gerloff and Italian Federico Caricasulo
“Our fifth Yamaha R1 rider in the 2020 series, Loris Baz, continues his partnership with the Ten Kate Racing team further to very encouraging performances since re-joining the Championship in the sixth round of 2019. The Ten Kate Yamaha team has a proven pedigree and, combined with Loris’ talents and Yamaha’s support, has shown that the R1 machine can be immediately competitive as a customer package. Going into 2020, we expect some exciting results from Loris, a rider who always gives 100%!”
Loris Baz will be on the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R1M
Michael van der Mark was right on the pace at Jerez in November, frequenting top position half-way throughout the second day before finishing third overall with 177 laps complete.
New team-mate Toprak Razgatlioglu also shone brightly on the opening day last time before finishing seventh at the close of the test. The Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team are getting ready for the 2020 season in style, with the next batch of testing looking positive.
Toprak Razgatlioglu
MotorLand Aragon testing was certainly a positive experience for the ARUBA.IT – Racing Ducati team, but they didn’t top any day of the test at Jerez. Rookie Scott Redding was the best rider from the Italian manufacturer in fifth, whilst Chaz Davies managed ninth, both riders working through a variety of set-ups towards finding a suitable balance for the V4 R. Both riders will seek to be within a second of the top time and make steady improvements across the two days, with Redding yearning more track time.
Scott Redding
Both BMW riders were inside the top ten at the close of testing at Jerez last time out, with Tom Sykes flying high in sixth and Eugene Laverty in tenth. 2013 Champion Sykes wrapped up his first title at Jerez and heads to the Spanish venue with positivity and happy memories. Team-mate and 2013 title rival Eugene Laverty has been training intensely throughout the off-season and comes into the Jerez test revitalised and rejuvenated. This will be Laverty’s second test on the S 1000 RR and hopes to refine his feelings aboard the bike with more experience.
Eugene Laverty
The fifth factory team and one of the most anticipated is the HRC Team of Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam. This will be the first public test for the bike, as Honda have been testing and developing behind closed doors, meaning that this Jerez test will be the first glimpse of the all-new CBR1000RR-R in WorldSBK trim.
Leon Haslam with the new Fireblade
Bautista completed a successful test with his Ducati at Jerez in 2019 and will look to repeat that achievement over at Honda this season as they shake down the all-new Fireblade SP. Team-mate Haslam will be keen to develop the Honda into a contender; both riders having experience and good versatility.
Headlining the charge of the Independent’s brigade are the Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha team, featuring Loris Baz. The Frenchman was a stand-out performer at Jerez last time out, finishing second on day two and being inside the top five for most of the test. With 181 laps done, Baz is a man to watch out for across the two days.
Loris Baz will be on the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R1M
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team bring their line-up of Federico Caricasulo and Garrett Gerloff to the famed Jerez track too. Caricasulo is another rookie on the 2020 grid, whilst American teammate Garrett Gerloff has been quietly going about his business and has impressed many so far.
Other Independent teams in attendance include the Barni Racing Team, who will not be with Leon Camier as the British rider recovers from injury. Sandro Cortese replaces him for the two days, with the German racking up miles aboard the Ducati and yet to be confirmed on the 2020 grid. Team GoEleven bring Michael Ruben Rinaldi to Jerez, with this being his first test with the team ahead of 2020.
The Motocorsa Racing team will also be there with their Ducati and Leandro Mercado, who returns to the manufacturer in 2020. The Brixx Performance set-up are also at Jerez, testing with their rider Sylvain Barrier. One more rider to keep a close eye on will be Chile’s Maximilien Scheib, who teams up with the Orelac Racing VerdNaturasquad and readies for his first test of his full-time debut in the 2020 season.
From the WorldSSP class, Andrea Locatelli (Bardahl Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) will return to Jerez, when he was top of the WorldSSP class in November.
2019 WorldSSP Champion Randy Krummenacher (MV AGUSTA Reparto Corse) will look to be back on top, with his team-mate Federico Fuligni joining him. They will be on track with Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha), Jaimie van Sikkelerus (MPM Routz Racing Team), Loris Cresson (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth), GMT94 YAMAHAduo Jules Cluzel and Corentin Perolari and also WorldSSP rookie, Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team).
The provisional permanent entry lists for the 2020 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship have been revealed with an expanded grid of 22 riders, as anticipation grows for the start of the new season at Australia’s Phillip Island on February 28.
Leading the charge will once again be the five-time and reigning WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea, who finds himself with a third teamate in as many seasons inside the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK: Alex Lowes, who finished a career best of third in the 2019 standings.
2019’s runner-up Álvaro Bautista will debut a new machine for the second season in a row, as he leads Team HRC’s return to WorldSBK. Sitting on the new CBR1000RR alongside him will be Leon Haslam, the most experienced pair of hands on the 2020 grid.
Leon Haslam with the new Fireblade on stage at EICMA
Chaz Davies will complete his seventh season with the ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati team in 2020. He will be partnered this time by reigning British Superbike champion and former MotoGP star Scott Redding, a WorldSBK debutant.
Two of 2019’s five race winners will represent the Pata Yamaha in 2020: Michael van der Mark and Toprak Razgatlioglu. The pair will also enjoy a new model of the YZF R1 this season.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joins Michael van der Mark in the Pata Yamaha squad
Closing off this quintet of factory teams is the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Tom Sykes will lead the project once again after a promising first year together. His new partner will be the man he battled so fiercely against for the 2013 WorldSBK title: Eugene Laverty.
Moving over to the independent teams and riders, 2020 will see Leon Camier joining the Barni Racing Team on the Ducati V4 R. He replaces Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who switches teams (but not machinery) to Team GoEleven.
There will be another two Ducati V4 Rs on the 2020 grid, bringing the total up to six: Leandro Mercado, who joins the debuting Motocorsa Racing, and two-time STK1000 winner Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance).
2019 independent winners Kawasaki Puccetti Racing replace the departing Razgatlioglu with 2018 independent winner Xavi Fores, while Orelac Racing Verdnatura have brought in the current Spanish Superbike champion, Maximilian Scheib. Team Pedercini Racing, meanwhile, will finally field one rider, still to be confirmed.
The GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team will feature two exciting rookies in 2020: World Supersport runner-up Federico Caricasulo and American sensation Garrett Gerloff. The final YZF R1 on the grid is that of Ten Kate Racing, who have once again trusted Loris Baz after several promising results last year.
GRT Yamaha will field Garrett Gerloff and Italian Federico Caricasulo
Closing out the grid will be the two members of the MIE Racing team: 30-year-old Takumi Takahashi, a former WorldSBK and MotoGP point-scorer who will be participating in his first full season on the world stage, and a second rider to be announced at a later date.
2020 WorldSSP Entry List
Rider
Bike
Team
Andrea Locatelli
Yamaha YZF R6
BARDAHL Evan Bros.Team
Jules Cluzel
Yamaha YZF R6
GMT94 Yamaha
Corentin Perolari
Yamaha YZF R6
GMT94 Yamaha
Philipp Oettl
Kawasaki ZX-6R
Kawasaki Puccetti Racing
Lucas Mahias
Kawasaki ZX-6R
Kawasaki Puccetti Racing
Isaac Viñales
Yamaha YZF R6
Kallio Racing
Hannes Soomer
Yamaha YZF R6
Kallio Racing
Randy Krummenacher
MV Agusta F3 675
MV Agusta Reparto Corse
Raffaele De Rosa
MV Agusta F3 675
MV Agusta Reparto Corse
Federico Fuligni
MV Agusta F3 675
MV Agusta Reparto Corse
Patrick Hobelsberger
Honda CBR600RR
Dynavolt Honda
Hikari Okubo
Honda CBR600RR
Dynavolt Honda
Peter Sebestyen
Yamaha YZF R6
OXXO Yamaha Team Toth
Loris Cresson
Yamaha YZF R6
OXXO Yamaha Team Toth
Steven Odendaal
Yamaha YZF R6
EAB Ten Kate Racing
Galang Hendra Pratama
Yamaha YZF R6
bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS
Andy Verdoïa
Yamaha YZF R6
bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS
Xavier Navand
Yamaha YZF R6
Altogoo Racing Team
Tom Toparis
Yamaha YZF R6
Benro Racing
TBA
Yamaha YZF R6
Benro Racing
Alejandro Ruiz Carranza
Yamaha YZF R6
EMPERADOR Racing Team
Manuel Gonzalez
Kawasaki ZX-6R
Kawasaki ParkinGO Team
Lukas Tulovic
Yamaha YZF R6
Kiefer Racing
Thomas Gradinger
Yamaha YZF R6
Kiefer Racing
Jaimie van Sikkelerus
Yamaha YZF R6
MPM Routz Racing Team
Axel Bassani
Yamaha YZF R6
Soradis Yamaha Motoxracing
Can Alexander Öncü
Kawasaki ZX-6R
Turkish Racing Team
Christoffer Bergman
Yamaha YZF R6
Wójcik Racing Team
Danny Webb
Yamaha YZF R6
WRP Wepol Racing
The 29 riders that will compete in the FIM Supersport World Championship have been confirmed today with the release of the provisional permanent entry list for the 2020 season.
Reigning Champion Randy Krummenacher remains in the series and will defend his crown throughout the 2020 season. He does however change manufacturers, from Yamaha to MV Agusta, in a bold attempt to become the first rider to take back- to-back titles on different bikes. His will be the third F3 675 on the grid, as Raffaele De Rosaand Federico Fuligni remain with the MV Agusta Reparto Corse squad. The team will be the only one with three full-time competitors in 2020.
Jules Cluzel will stay inside the GMT94 Yamaha structure for another year, after missing out on last year’s title by only 13 points. His teammate will once again be Corentin Perolari, forming an all-French challenge for the championship.
The rider who picked up the most points in the second half of last year also remains in place. Lucas Mahias will aim for his second WorldSSP crown alongside Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, with series newcomer Philip Oettl by his side.
Last season’s runaway Teams Champions, Bardahl Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team, have also brought in a former Moto2 competitor in Andrea Locatelli, who will be aiming to pick up where the departing Krummenacher and WorldSBK-bound Federico Caricasulo left off last year.
Randy Krummenacher
Kallio Racing will place two bikes on the grid this season, with Hannes Soomer joining Isaac Viñales at the Finnish-based squad. So too will Kiefer Racing, who have recruited Thomas Gradinger and Lukas Tulovic for their debut in the WorldSBK paddock. Completing this trio of Yamaha teams is OXXO Yamaha Team Toth, represented in 2020 by Loris Cresson and Peter Sebestyen.
There’s also a return to the series for multiple WorldSSP Champions Ten Kate Racing, who have partnered with EAB to bring Steven Odendaal into the series.
Another team who will be working alongside the Dutch team is the MPM Routz Racing Team, led on track by Jaimie van Sikkelerus.
Several former WorldSSP300 frontrunners have graduated to the middleweight class this year, starting with 2019 WorldSSP300 Champion Manuel González (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team). He is joined by Andy Verdoïa and Galang Hendra Pratama, who will both compete as part of the bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS team.
Kawasaki will feature one more rider on the grid: 16-year-old rookie and Moto3 race winner Can Öncu (Turkish Racing Team).
The rebranded Dynavolt Honda team, meanwhile, will feature Hikari Okubo (fifth in last season’s standings) alongside series newcomer Patrick Hobelsberger.
2020 will also see the return of former WorldSSP competitors Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Racing) and Christoffer Bergman(Wójcik Racing Team).
Four riders have also signed up for the European Supersport Cup, which will be up for grabs in the ten European races. These riders are: Xavier Navand (Altogoo Racing Team), Australian Tom Toparis (Benro Racing), Alejandro Ruiz Carranza (Emperador Racing Team) and Axel Bassani(Team Yamaha Motoxracing). A fifth contender, as team-mate for Toparis at Benro Racing, is yet to be announced.
Tom Toparis will race a Benro Yamaha in the European rounds of the World Supersport Championship
