Superbikes| Yamaha Finance Australian Round: Flag to Flag in the race announced

Race Direction and Dorna have officially communicated that for the second race of the World Championship of production derivatives and for the Supersport race of the Yamaha Finance Australian Round, which is taking place on the Phillip Island track, the riders will have to observe the procedure of " flag to flag”.

The reason lies in the fact that problems were found in the durability of the tyres, which could expose the drivers to greater risks: Management and theme, after a discussion, took this decision precisely to safeguard safety on the track.

Consequently, the format undergoes changes: the first race of the 2018 FIM Supersport World Championship will be shortened to 16 laps, changing bikes on the ninth lap, while Race 2 of the WorldSBK Championship will adopt the "flag to flag" on dry surfaces, with the obligation to return to the pits at end of laps 10, 11 or 12, but in the case of a "wet race" the standard procedure will be observed.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Sporting Director, explained: “Unfortunately there were some problems with tire life. After a meeting with the teams in which the possible options were discussed, we decided that the best thing would be the "flag to flag", which fortunately our regulations provide for. Normally we use it for climatic reasons, but this time it's something else. Unless it rains."