The provisional 2027 calendar for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is bringing massive changes, headlined by a historic first-ever trip to China for a flyaway finale at the Shanghai International Circuit. MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla spoke out on the exciting new schedule, pointing to the growth of Chinese manufacturers in the paddock since Kove first competed in 2023. QJMOTOR made the nation's debut in WorldSSP in 2024, followed by Benat Fernandez capturing the final WorldSSP300 Riders’ Championship in 2025 with Kove Racing Team 109.
Currently, ZXMOTO is powering Valentin Debise of EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing into a title challenge, with the #53 sitting second in the standings, trailing Albert Arenas of AS BLU CRU Racing Team by 86 points ahead of Estoril. The expanding Chinese footprint will reach another milestone in 2027 when CFMOTO steps in as the exclusive bike supplier for WorldWCR. Lavilla noted how all these pieces organically aligned to make the Chinese expansion possible.
It’s been a great surprise; we were very happy to race in Jerez, but they will do some work on the paddock, and it was not possible to continue racing there,
"It’s a big change," Lavilla stated. "It’s something that has been growing here through the last years, having Chinese manufacturers in the Championship, Kove winning the last WorldSSP300 Championship, the eruption of ZXMOTO. We are always looking to expand our calendar, and all the pieces were coming together. When I saw the opportunity, I felt like it was something that deserved my full attention. I think for WorldSBK and for motorsport in general, being able to go to China is something really big. It’s a very powerful economy, so it’s going to be something that will bring a lot of positives into the Championship."
Beyond Asia, the 2027 schedule also brings a homecoming to Spain. The championship is heading back to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for Round 3, marking the first visit there since 2010. This Mediterranean venue takes the place of the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia, which has to step away temporarily while undergoing necessary renovations to its paddock area.
"It’s been a great surprise; we were very happy to race in Jerez, but they will do some work on the paddock, and it was not possible to continue racing there," Lavilla explained regarding the Spanish venue swap. "We started looking for alternatives, and Valencia came up which, historically, is a track we’ve raced at, and we believe will have a nice impact into the region, and for the fans because it’s very easy for them to be. It’s another positive note and I’m looking forward to it."
