The 2026 racing season is about to ignite with a bang in Australia, and you won't want to miss a second of the action! The WorldSBK and WorldSSP championships are gearing up for an epic showdown, and the new season promises to be a thrilling ride.
But first, let's dive into the schedule for the season-opening Australian Round, where every second counts and the competition is fierce.
Friday, February 20th, marks the beginning of this motorsport extravaganza. The day starts with a bang as WorldSSP riders take to the track for their Free Practice session at 10:25 am local time. This is where riders fine-tune their bikes and strategies, setting the tone for the entire weekend. But here's where it gets exciting: WorldSBK riders will then take center stage at 11:20 am for their FP1 session, showcasing the raw power and precision of these superbikes.
As the day progresses, the tension builds. WorldSSP riders will battle it out in the Tissot Superpole session at 2:55 pm, a crucial phase that determines the starting grid for Race 1. And this is the part most people miss: the art of qualifying is a delicate balance of speed and strategy, often making or breaking a rider's weekend. WorldSBK's FP2 session follows at 4:00 pm, giving riders one last chance to perfect their setup before the real action begins.
Saturday, February 21st, is race day! WorldSBK riders kick things off with FP3 at 10:00 am, a final opportunity to make adjustments before the heat of competition. WorldSSP riders then warm up their engines at 10:30 am, a brief session to ensure their machines are ready for the upcoming battle. The Tissot Superpole session for WorldSBK at 1:00 pm will be a nail-biting affair, as riders push their limits to secure the best possible starting position. And then, the moment we've all been waiting for: WorldSSP's Race 1 at 2:30 pm, followed by WorldSBK's Race 1 at 4:00 pm. The first races of the season will set the tone for the entire championship, so every move counts!
Sunday, February 22nd, is the grand finale. The day begins with warm-up sessions for both WorldSBK and WorldSSP, ensuring riders are ready for the final showdown. WorldSBK's Tissot Superpole Race at 1:00 pm will be a strategic battle, as riders fight for crucial championship points. And finally, the climax: WorldSSP's Race 2 at 2:30 pm and WorldSBK's Race 2 at 4:00 pm. These races will be a true test of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The 2026 season opener in Australia is set to be a spectacle, with new riders, fresh rivalries, and cutting-edge machinery. Will the rookies make their mark, or will the seasoned veterans dominate? Will the new bikes prove their worth, or will reliability be a concern? These questions and more will be answered as the season unfolds.
Don't miss a moment of this thrilling motorsport adventure! Catch every session live or on-demand, and relive the historic races from 1991 onwards with the WorldSBK VideoPass. The stage is set, the riders are ready, and the engines are roaring. Let the races begin!
