Return of the Superbike World Championship to Asia: if it happens, it will be in China or Malaysia

With Chinese motorbike manufacturers taking part in the production-based World Championship, pressure is mounting on Superbike promoter Liberty (formerly Dorna) to include a race in Asia on the calendar. With Kove in the World Superbike Championship and QJ Motor and ZX Moto in the Supersport class, three manufacturers are already involved. And as early as 2027, a fourth manufacturer – CF Moto – could join the top category.

Having an event in China on the calendar would be desirable, as the successes of ZX Moto (with its star rider Valentin Debise finishing runner-up in the World Championship with six wins) have sparked a boom in motorcycling in China, and many fans can already be found at European racetracks.

It is now becoming clear that, should a World Superbike Championship round in China prove feasible, the Ningbo International Track is the favourite venue. Representatives from the FIM have already visited the circuit – owned by Geely Holding – on several occasions to identify the modifications required for homologation. The circuit is 4,015 metres long and currently holds FIA Grade 2 homologation.

As things stand, however, a return to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is more likely than a race in China. The Superbike World Championship raced on the 5.5 km-long circuit between 2014 and 2016. Its proximity to China could offset the waning spectator interest seen at the time.

Much is currently up in the air, however, and it remains entirely unclear whether, alongside the season opener at Phillip Island in Australia, we will have a second overseas race on the 2027 Superbike calendar.

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