WorldSBK to Replace WorldSSP300 with New ‘World Sportbike’ Class

Mid-capacity machines to be introduced in 2026, offering a better pathway for emerging talent

In a major development for international motorcycle racing, the FIM and WorldSBK have announced that the new entry-level category titled World Sportbike will officially debut in the 2026 season, replacing the existing World Supersport 300 (WorldSSP300) class. The change marks the end of an era, with WorldSSP300 currently in its 10th and final season, but it also signals a fresh start aimed at refining the pathway for emerging riders moving up to the World Supersport and World Superbike levels.

Although official technical and sporting regulations for the new World Sportbike category have yet to be released, the description provided by WorldSBK offers strong hints about the class’s intended direction: agile machines powered by mid-capacity engines, with improved performance and broader appeal to manufacturers and privateer teams alike. The goal, according to WorldSBK, is to “streamline the path for young riders transitioning towards World Supersport” while enhancing competition and accessibility in a safer, more sustainable format.

While fans and teams eagerly await concrete technical specs, the Sportbike category introduced this year in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) may serve as a template. Machines such as the Yamaha YZF-R7, Suzuki GSX-8R, Aprilia RS660, Triumph Daytona 660, and Kawasaki Ninja 650 are all eligible for the BSB Sportbike series—offering a glimpse at what WorldSBK may adopt for its new class. Australia’s Brodie Gawith currently competes in the BSB Sportsbike series aboard a Daytona 660. The Yamaha R7 is already a familiar platform in the paddock thanks to its use in the women-only WorldWCR category, further strengthening its credentials as a contender in the new series.

Since its introduction in 2017, the lightweight 300 class has served as a launchpad for several stars, including Manuel Gonzalez—now a title contender in Moto2—and Adrian Huertas, who ascended to win the 2024 World Supersport Championship after clinching the SSP300 crown in 2021. The category also achieved a landmark historical moment when Ana Carrasco became the first woman to win a solo FIM World Championship in 2018. Indonesia’s Aldi Mahendra added to the international credentials of the class with his breakthrough title in 2023, further demonstrating its global reach.

While racing fans might miss the ultra-close, intense battles provided by the Supersport 300s, the series has not been without problems.  The tight packs, often featuring 20 or more riders battling in tight slip-streaming formations, has resulted in tragic accidents in past seasons.

For Australian fans, the final chapter of the WorldSSP300 story carries added anticipation, with young talent Carter Thompson in the mix to claim the farewell championship title before the curtain falls on the category in 2025. A triumph by Thompson would not only represent a defining moment for his career but also provide a fitting send-off to a decade-long class that has helped shape the next generation of racers.

WorldSSP300 Standings