Confirmed: The Superbike World Championship bids farewell to Phillip Island – ‘The Bend’ from 2028

When SPEEDWEEK.com first reported on 20 February that the Superbike World Championship was moving to ‘The Bend’ circuit, many fans were stunned. After all, Phillip Island is an icon of the production-based world championship and, moreover, extremely popular. Its special atmosphere, its seaside location and the layout of the picturesque circuit continue to fascinate to this day.

But the World Superbike Championship hasn’t always been held at Phillip Island: in 1988 and 1989, Oran Park was the venue. And now it’s clear: from 2028, ‘The Bend’ will be the new home of the production-based world championship.

“Australia holds a special place in the history of WorldSBK and remains an important market for our championship, the manufacturers, the teams and the fans. We are delighted to confirm The Bend as the future venue for the Australian round from 2028,” said Superbike Director Gregorio Lavilla, heralding the new era. “The venue offers excellent infrastructure and a strong commitment to motorsport, providing a solid foundation for the next chapter of the World Superbike Championship in Australia. We look forward to working closely with the team at The Bend and all local stakeholders.”

Opened in 2018, the state-of-the-art circuit offers eight different layouts and is located an hour’s drive south-east of Adelaide. With generous run-off areas, safety is not an issue: The Bend has Grade A homologation from the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) – the highest level available.

The agreement in question is a multi-year contract concluded between promoter Dorna and the circuit operator. Such wording typically indicates a five-year term, which provides both parties with planning certainty.

“Securing the WorldSBK is a significant achievement for ‘The Bend’, and today’s announcement marks a historic day for motorsport and for South Australia,” says Dr Sam Shahin, Managing Director of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park. “From the very beginning, our vision was to create an outstanding facility capable of attracting the world’s leading motorsport series and hosting international competitions at the highest level. A decade later, we are celebrating a major milestone: the World Superbike Championship is coming! This championship will bring the leading motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders to South Australia and create a strong platform to showcase our venue, our passionate motorsport community and our state to a global audience.”

As regards the schedule, it is likely that The Bend will take place either at the start or the end of the season. The Australian summer officially begins in December and ends in February.