2010 HANNspree FIM Superbike World Championship zooms into action
Fans wait with anticipation at Phillip Island, Australia as the riders rev up for the first round of the new season
The 2010 season of the world’s leading production motorcycle event will again be global in its scope and feature an industry-leading seven manufacturers – Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha – as well as numerous private teams battling it out on the starting grids on four continents. The 2010 season will culminate in Magny Cours, France and promises high speed exhilaration and excitement across the globe.
Global talent contest
There are over ten previous race winners in the current SBK field, with nine of the top ten riders from the 2009 championship back for more. Last year's Ducati Xerox duo Noriyuki Haga (JAP) and Michel Fabrizio (ITA) were second and third respectively, making each a potential winner in the new season again. Aprilia Alitalia Racing team rider Max Biaggi (ITA) is teamed with newcomer Leon Camier (GBR), one of seven British riders in the 2010 Superbike World Championship. BMW Motorrad Motorsport once more fields Troy Corser (AUS) and Ruben Xaus (ESP), but BMW machines will also be ridden by private riders Andrew Pitt (AUS) and Roland Resch (AUT). A fierce Ducati privateer line-up includes Carlos Checa (ESP), Shane Byrne (GBR) and Jakub Smrz (CZE). Max Neukirchner (GER) is entering his 6th SBK season on a HANNspree Ten Kate Honda.
Tremendous levels of TV coverage
Infront is responsible for the TV distribution, the host broadcast production and the servicing of broadcasters. The company has achieved tremendous levels of television coverage. In 2009 the Superbike World Championship reached a worldwide audience of more than two billion TV contacts and over 3,700 hours of programming. These strong figures have a direct impact on potential purchasers of bikes, tyres, fuel, accessories and associated lifestyle products. For 2010 continued success is expected as the broadcast of the SBK events will again cover over 175 countries, through channels such as Eurosport (Europe), ESPN STAR Sports (Asia), SuperSport (Africa), Speed Channel (USA) and Al Jazeera (Middle East).
350 minutes live material each weekend
Infront has been applying its expertise in host broadcasting to enhance coverage of the series and has succeeded to an impressive extent, producing a quality picture and encouraging television growth. On an average race weekend coverage is produced from seven events - across the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock Championships - and is expected this year to accumulate to over 350 minutes of live material each weekend. The host broadcasting along with new media production will be handled by Infront Production. The broadcaster servicing and satellite coordination will be managed by Infront’s Broadcaster Servicing Team, which contributes its expertise gained at global sports events, including the FIFA World Cup™.
As in previous years, Infront will continue to offer a 26 minute highlight show, available on the Wednesday after each round via satellite (distribution via tape on request). A 26-minute season preview show and a 56-minute season review are also available. Magazine programmes and behind the scene footage will be available on request throughout 2010.
WorldSBK.com official website integral role
In 2009 the official website www.worldsbk.com — was re-launched attracting over 550,000 unique visitors per month from over 220 different geographical locations worldwide. This year the website will continue to play an important role in the marketing of the event. Key features include free of charge highlights streaming, which enables users to follow the World Superbike race highlights on demand after the races. The website will also continue to offer: the latest news, results, standings and updates from the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock Championships; a photo gallery with spectacular imagery directly from the racetrack; statistics and downloads for fans.
High-level commercial partners
The sponsorship hierarchy of the series is led by the Championship Title Sponsor HANNspree, the Taiwan-based electronics giant. The line-up of high-level commercial partners is completed by the two TOP Sponsors - Alfa Romeo (automotive) and Pirelli (tyres) - and Official Sponsors, including Arrow (exhausts for motorcycles), Axo (rider’s equipment), Came (residential and commercial automation systems), Giannelli (silencers), HannsG (consumer electronics) and ParkinGo (valet parking).
About HANNspree Superbike World Championship
HANNspree Superbike World Championship is the only road racing World Championship using production motorcycles. The series is one of the sport’s fastest growing and most promising properties; popular with fans, manufacturers, broadcasters and commercial partners. It is promoted by Infront Motor Sports in Rome, the motor sports division of Infront Sports & Media and governed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
About Infront Motor Sports
Infront Motor Sports is based in Rome and is the promoter of the FIM Superbike World Championship and partner of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) since 1989. It is one of the leading promoters in motor sport. The company was founded in 1975 and is led by Maurizio Flammini (Chairman), Paolo Flammini (CEO) and Vincenzo Lamaro (Managing Director). Infront Motor Sports is a subsidiary of the leading international sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media, based in Switzerland. – www.infrontsports.com
2010 HANNspree Superbike World Championship calendar
28 February — Australia, Phillip Island
28 March — Portugal, Portimão
11 April — Spain, Valencia
25 April — Netherlands, Assen
9 May — Italy, Monza
16 May — South Africa, Kyalami
31 May — United States, Salt Lake City
27 June — San Marino, Misano
11 July — Czech Republic, Brno
1 August — Great-Britain, Silverstone
5 September — Germany, Nürburgring
26 September — Italy, Imola
3 October — France, Magny-Cours
For further information, please contact:
Jörg Polzer
Manager, Communication & PR
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com
Federica Marti
SBK Press Office
Infront Motor Sports
Tel. +39-06-50 96 61
Fax +39-06-50 96 64 45
federica.marti infrontsports.com
www.worldsbk.com
