Australian WorldSBK round moving to The Bend from 2028

The Australian round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) is on the move, with Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (‘The Bend’) in Tailem Bend securing the rights in a multi-year deal.

The first WorldSBK event will be held at the South Australian circuit in 2028, with Phillip Island to host the production-based championship for the final time in 2027.

The seismic announcement means that South Australia now has the rights to the two biggest circuit racing motorcycle world championships in the world, with MotoGP to make its debut on the Adelaide Parklands Street Circuit in 2027.

The Bend, purpose-built to host international competition, features premium accommodation, corporate facilities and multiple circuit configurations. It has hosted rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship since 2018.

Sam Shahin, Managing Director of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, said today’s announcement secures the long-term future of one of the world’s premier motorcycle racing championships for South Australia and represents another milestone in a vision that began when The Bend opened in 2018.

“Securing WorldSBK is a significant achievement for The Bend and today’s announcement marks a historic day for motorsport and for South Australia,” he said.

“From the outset, our vision has been to create a proud facility capable of attracting the world’s leading motorsport categories and hosting the highest levels of international competition.

“A decade on, we celebrate a major milestone; WorldSBK is coming. This championship is set to bring the top motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders to South Australia, creating a powerful platform that will showcase our venue, our passionate motorsport community and our state to a global audience.

“WorldSBK has an incredibly passionate global fanbase and we look forward to welcoming them to The Bend and delivering an event experience that reflects the significance of this championship and its place on the international calendar.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said securing WorldSBK further strengthens South Australia’s position as Australia’s motorsport capital and will deliver significant economic, tourism and profile benefits across the state.

“South Australia has built one of the strongest motorsport portfolios in the country. From the world-class facilities at The Bend to the Adelaide street circuit, we are attracting premier events, passionate fans and global attention,” said Premier Malinauskas.

“With WorldSBK joining MotoGP, the Adelaide 500 and the AirTouch 500 Enduro, this announcement reinforces our commitment to motorsport and reflects our determination to ensure South Australia remains the home of motorsport in this country.

“It also provides a pathway for the next generation of riders, engineers, officials, volunteers and motorsport enthusiasts to engage with world-class competition right here at home.”

WorldSBK Sporting Director Gregorio Lavilla said the move to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park represented an exciting new chapter for the championship.

He said: “We are delighted to announce The Bend as the future home of the Australian Round of the FIM Superbike World Championship.

“Australia has always held a special place within WorldSBK, and it remains an important market for our championship, manufacturers, teams and fans.

“The Bend is an impressive venue with exceptional facilities and a strong commitment to motorsport. We believe it provides an outstanding platform for WorldSBK and we are excited to begin this journey together from 2028.”

The Bend will become the third circuit in Australia to host WorldSBK after Oran Park and Phillip Island, which has been the local home since 1990.

Images: RbMotoLens