1998 FIM Superbike World Championship

Technical regulations

1998 FIM International Superbike Regulations
Summary

Motorcycles for Superbike correspond to motorcycles of current production, available to the public, which have been manufactured and sold for everyday road use. Motorcycles must be approved and homologated by the FIM for competition in FIM Superbike events. Manufacturers are required to produce a minimum number of a specific motorcycle in order for it to be homologated; a factory that produces more than 100,000 units per year must produce 500 for homologation, a factory producing at least 50,000 units per year must produce 250, and all other factories must produce 150. Only modifications specified within the approved homologation documents for each model are permitted. The lower fairing must be designed to accommodate at least half the capacity of the oil and engine coolant used in the motorcycle if the engine is damaged. Only brake discs made of iron are permitted. Number plate colours are white background with black numbers (RAL colour table values: 9005 black and 9010 white).

Engine capacities

601-750cc, four-stroke, 4-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg;
601-900cc, four-stroke, 3-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg;
751-1000cc, four-stroke, 2-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg.

Homologated machines

Bimota SB7; Ducati 888; Ducati 916; Honda RC45; Honda VTR1000F; Kawasaki ZX-7RR; Kawasaki ZXR750; Suzuki GSX-R750; Suzuki TL1000R; Yamaha TRX850; Yamaha YZF750.

Championship rules

Rider eligibility

Only riders in possession of an international competition licence and named on the grading list of the issuing federation are eligible to compete.

Qualifying format

2 official qualifying sessions, each rider's fastest lap time from either session is counted towards a combined classification. The top 16 riders in the combined classification take part in a Superpole session, where they set one lap time individually. The starting order of the riders will be the opposite of the combined classification. Qualifying positions 1 to 16 are set by the Superpole time, qualifying positions 17 to 36 are set by the previous combined classification. The maximum lap time required to qualify will be equal to 110% of the fastest time from the combined classification. All riders must complete a minimum number of timed laps in official qualifying sessions. Grid positions will be allocated to only the fastest 36 riders. Riders who do not receive a grid space but have set a qualifying time will be added to a reserve list and may replace riders who withdraw from the event.

In the event of rain during the Superpole session, the one-lap format is replaced with a 50 minute session during which the 16 riders may complete a maximum of 12 laps (introduced on 1998-06-02).

Race format

2 races of approximately 100km distance, considered as separate races for the purpose of awarding points and prizes. Riders who fail to finish the first race may start the second race. The starting grid for both races will be based on official qualification and Superpole times. If a result is declared for a race which has completed less than 75% of its scheduled distance, half-points will be awarded.

Points system

Riders Championship: 1st: 25; 2nd: 20; 3rd: 16; 4th: 13; 5th: 11; 6th: 10; 7th: 9; 8th: 8; 9th: 7; 10th: 6; 11th: 5; 12th: 4; 13th: 3; 14th: 2; 15th: 1.
Manufacturers Championship: Points awarded to the highest placed finisher for each manufacturer, according to the same system as the Riders Championship.