British riders are flying high in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the series heads to the only UK round of the season at Donington Park on 27-29 May.
The Superbike World Championship is one of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle racing series, with incredible riders, dramatic racing and all the glamour that a world championship always commands.
Reigning champion Jonathan Rea looks to be the man to beat again, but despite winning five of the 12 races held so far, has not won since Assen in April. He’ll be keen to return to winning ways at his home circuit, but will have to fend off the always strong challenge from Chaz Davies, and team mate Tom Sykes, who is a renowned master of Donington Park and has won every race at the circuit for the past three years!
Sykes was a winner on the weekend, with the Superbike World Championship in action at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit. Sykes scored a commanding victory in the opening encounter, passing Derby racer Alex Lowes on the first lap and opening a gap, with Rea claiming second and Davies third, ensuring an all British podium. Donington local Lowes, having led the opening lap, made an error early in the race, dropping to ninth, but he showed all the determination which secured him the British Superbike crown in 2013 to fight back to take fifth.
The second race saw a maiden Superbike World Championship victory for former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden, in wet conditions. The American rider started fourth, but shot up to challenge for the lead on the first lap, and then established a gap over the rest of the field. Italian Davide Giugliano was just over a second behind at the chequered flag, with Rea third to maintain his record of finishing on the podium at every race this year and extending his championship lead. With tricky conditions throughout the race, the action was frantic with several spectacular duels throughout the field.
The UK round of the Superbike World Championship promises to be a festival of motorcycling, with plenty to see on and off the track, with fans encouraged to ‘make a weekend of it.’ Spectators are able to camp on the circuit infield throughout the weekend, with the camping zone featuring live music, rider appearances and more entertainment set to create a carnival atmosphere.
The paddock will also be open to all ticket holders, allowing fans closer access to the teams and riders than ever before, while the popular Paddock Show will again include special guests and rider appearances, giveaways and more. Superbike legend and King of the Jungle Carl Fogarty will also be a star guest, and will be a common sight at Donington throughout the weekend – get those autograph books at the ready!
With big screens placed around the venue, and some of the best viewing areas in motorsport, fans will be able to absorb all the action of a packed racing schedule which features races across two days for the Superbike World Championship, with thrilling support drama from World Supersport, World Superstock, European Junior Cup, National Superstock 600 & 1000 and the Ducati Tri-Options Cup.
Donington Park Managing Director Christopher Tate commented: “This year’s UK round of the Superbike World Championship at Donington Park is absolute must see event, with a weekend full of brilliant racing from some of the best riders in the world. With very strong ticket sales, we’re expecting a bumper crowd to take advantage of the great racing on offer and the family entertainment, and we’re encouraging everyone to make a weekend of it and fully immerse themselves in the event.”
Fans will also have a chance to meet some of the stars of the event at a special meet and greet session being held at the Donington Collections at the circuit this Sunday (22 May) from 1pm to 3pm. Riders confirmed to attend include the legendary Carl Fogarty, local rider Alex Lowes, Sylvain Guintoli, Tom Sykes and Josh Brookes. The event is free to attend and includes free access to the museum too.
Tickets for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at Donington Park are available in advance until 5pm on Wednesday 25 April, priced from just £10. Camping tickets are priced at £25 per person, while children aged 13 and under go free all weekend. For more information and to book tickets, visit
www.donington-park.co.uk.