SBK: the Superpole format fails to convince, are we in for a change?

There’s no denying it, the current SBK Superpole has not been well received. At all. It appears that barely anybody likes it, from those watching on TV: “You can’t understand it, the cameras jump from one bike to another, the commentators can’t keep up, there’s confusion. It’s like the chaos we saw in MotoGP in the past" to the team managers: "We don’t think it’s a good shop window for the sponsors, as some riders don’t get featured at all".

Then of course we have the riders. They ‘only’ think about twisting the throttle, sure, but how? With just 15 minutes, and everyone on track, those who’ve already set a time try to keep away from those who haven’t. Maybe they just need time to adapt, but it’s not easy.

And at Estoril the situation got more complicated. During Saturday morning’s qualifying, the yellow flag came out. The regulations state that, in this situation, those who pass through the sector where the accident takes place will have their lap time cancelled. This affected six riders in Portugal, namely Lowes, Bassani, Haslam, Bautista, Laverty and Mahias. All of whom suffered, particularly Alex, who was forced to start from tenth on the grid rather than from the front row.

The controversy

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And in actual fact, there was no accident. The yellow flag came out when Tito Rabat ran long into the sand but there was no bike or rider in the middle of the track. Luckily. Nevertheless, the rule dictates that the times are cancelled: "This is to safeguard the work of the marshals – commented number 22 – but I lost out on a good lap time, despite not passing anyone. I was unlucky".

Rea also adds: "Yes, Alex was unlucky, and I came close, because I passed through the same sector just 15 seconds before. The Superpole is delicate and crucial and can compromise your whole weekend if ruined".

And then there’s Chaz Davies. The Welshman comments on his penalty: "I respected the flag and came off the throttle. But then when I tried to push again the qualifying tyre was already done. A yellow flag and only one qualifier is not a good mix".

Yellow flag rules when we give you a 1 second faster tyre that can last 1 lap... ‍?? who make the rules seriously?
Back to the 1 lap superpole please

— Loris baz (@lorisbaz) May 30, 2021

Will we see a return to the old ways?

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Another rider who voiced his opinion on the subject was Loris Baz. Although he’s now competing in MotoAmerica, he states: “Who actually makes the rules? Let’s go back to the single Superpole lap please”. A single lap that is supported by Marco Borciani.

And a single lap that SBK veteran Leon Haslam knows all about: "How exciting was the old Superpole format? One flying lap and everyone’s attention on the only rider in action. It was stressful, but fun. And it was great for the sponsors, because the TV images focused on one rider at a time".

The HRC rider comments on the current format: "It’s complicated and tough for us, and what we saw in Estoril can leave those affected in real difficulty. With only one qualifying tyre, a yellow flag and the subsequent cancellation of your lap, that’s bad luck. I’d maybe add a second qualifying solution".

Pirelli and team Alstare

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Pirelli manager Giorgio Barbier notes something interesting: "The lap times dropped dramatically during qualifying at Estoril, in fact the records were smashed. For this reason, I’d like to keep the rear qualifying solution, it’s useful and helps all the teams”.

Giorgio is right. You need only look at the front row (Lowes’ bad luck aside), with Rea, Redding, Razgatlioglu. Or rather, Kawasaki, Ducati and Yamaha. BMW was not far off, while the Hondas struggled due to technical problems and crashes. In general though, the Superpole sees different bikes battling it out thanks also to the balance the Pirelli tyres have brought.

Lastly, experienced and passionate team Alstare boss Francis Batta suggests a return to the previous format: "Come on, it’s clear something has to change, because like this there’s no show and no one likes it. Let’s go back to the single flying lap, you’ll see how much fun it is!"

Translated by Heather Watson

WorldSBK, Most prepares to welcome the public