WSBK to head to Thailand in 2015
Barcelona (Spain), Monday 10 November 2014 – Dorna WSBK Organization and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) are glad to announce that a new circuit will enter the WSBK calendar in 2015.
Chang International Circuit, in Buriram, Thailand, will host the eni FIM Superbike World Championship for the first time ever in the history of the competition, next 20-22 March 2015. The agreement between DWO and the local organiser consist in a 3-year contract.
Following their recent visit to the circuit, FIM and Dorna representatives could state that the homologation procedure was approved and could verify that both the track and the facilities are ready to welcome the world series.
Thailand is the 24th Country to be visited by the eni FIM Superbike World Championship and, as well as the whole Asian area, represents a strategic market for the production-based bikes championship and its sponsors and partners, and the interest of local fans in motorsports can guarantee a huge spectator attendance on site.
The Thai Round is joining the list of the 12 events held in 2014 which are already confirmed for the next season. Dorna and FIM are still working closely on a final calendar for the 2015 that will consist of a maximum of 15 rounds and which will be published next November, 18th.
Javier Alonso, Dorna WSBK Executive Director: “We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Thai Round in the calendar, as a clear evidence of our goal to reach new key markets for the motorcycle industry. Over the last two years the World SBK has accomplished to be present within important regions, such as the USA, Malaysia, Australia and Qatar with successful events, and we keep working in this direction.”
Vito Ippolito, FIM President: “One of the objectives of the FIM is to have races on every continent. The Asian people are very enthusiastic about motorcycling and having Thailand in the 2015 calendar is a real honour and achievement for all of us and very important for the sport!”
Newin Chidchob, Chang International Circuit President: “Chang International Circuit is located in Buriram, one of the northeastern provinces of Thailand, and can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators. The track is 4.554 km in length, and its 12 corners are designed to support the highest speeds. Last October the circuit hosted the Buriram United Super GT race, with a crowd figure of 131,000 spectators and hundreds of media covering the event. We look forward to hosting our first world competition for motorcycles and we are proud this will be the eni FIM Superbike World Championship.”