[kropotkin thinks...] - 2016 Phillip Island World Superbike Notes: Has WSBK Turned a

[Ninjette Newsbot]

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We are racing at last. The first round of World Superbikes at Phillip Island means we can all breathe a sigh of relief. The long, dark winter is over, and motorcycles are circulating in earnest once again.

What to make of the first weekend of World Superbikes in the new format? Those who worried that spreading the racing over two days would hurt attendance and ruin the series have not seen their fears realized. Attendance at Phillip Island was around 75% of the MotoGP attendance there, really strong figures for the track.

Some caveats apply, of course: firstly, the Phillip Island MotoGP round is one of the most poorly attended on the calendar, though last year numbers improved. Secondly, the combination of Australian Superbikes with World Superbikes meant there was a full program of racing, and plenty for fans to see. The real test of the new format will come at tracks like Donington and Jerez, where attendance has been dismal. If they can get more people through the gate there, the Saturday-Sunday format will be more of a success.

Slick pics

Though the question of the race weekend format is yet to be settled, there can be no argument over the massive upgrade for the series presentation. Slick new graphics, much better camera work, better direction, more onboard cameras, the new TV coverage has lot to commend it, and is a sign that Dorna is taking the series seriously. The upgrades were badly needed, graphics and TV direction felt staid and old-fashioned in recent years. The new look made WSBK feel like a modern series, and added some sparkle.

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