The latest idea of the probable 2018 WorldSBK calendar is taking shape, although still highly provisional at this time. The new San Juan track in Argentina will host a round but only if it is ready in time, and if not Jerez will step-in as it is the first reserve circuit. The South American track layout is ready but the rest of the facilities are the potential hold-up.

The possibility of Lausitzring making a re-appearance is now very remote, and another round in Germany is maybe possible – but not at all likely. Brno will step into this slot.

The season begins as always in Australia, on the final weekend of February. Buriram is still not expected to follow on directly after, but the exact date is to be confirmed. It will probably be later in March this time, and definitely not just one weekend after PI.

There is a desire to pull the Magny Cours round forward in the year, to have better weather and also to stop the final round in Losail running into November, as it does this season. The Magny Cours people want keep it more or less where it is, but as it almost clashes with the Bol d’Or (now in sunny Le Castellet, of course) it seems a wise move to go earlier if the Endurance race even starts to threaten the very healthy Magny Cours WorldSBK round. And Dorna wants to fill in the big summer break gap.

Only a few rounds have a provisional date right now, as negotiations are still on going with most for exactly when their races will take place.

Jonathan Rea and Sykes, WSBK Race2, Misano WSBK 2017

Provisional WorldSBK Calendar 2018 (Sundays quoted)

  • 26/27th February – Australia – Phillip Island
  • Mid-late March – Thailand – Buriram
  • April – Aragon – Spain
  • April – Assen – Netherlands
  • April/May – Imola – Italy (some indicate Imola before Assen, but probably not)
  • 26/27th May – Donington – UK
  • 9/10th June – Brno – Czech Republic
  • June – Misano – Riviera Di Rimini
  • Early July – Laguna Seca – USA
  • Early September – San Juan Argentina (Jerez will replace if new circuit not ready).
  • Magny Cours – France – hoping to be moved earlier in the season than now.
  • Mid-September – Portimao – Portugal
  • Mid-October – Losail – Qatar