WorldSBK announces new Estoril finale as Misano cancelled for 2020

The 2020 WorldSBK Championship will be concluded at the Circuito do Estoril after it was announced as the all-new finale to replace the now cancelled Argentina and Misano rounds.

Marking a second round of the year to be held in Portugal following the most recent event in Portimao, this will be the first time Estoril has featured on the WorldSBK schedule having last hosted an event way back in 1993.

Dorna had originally planned to conclude the 2020 WorldSBK season in Misano after it was shifted to a November date in light of the coronavirus, but this has since become unfeasible and has instead been cancelled.

With Argentina now also confirmed as off, it means the 2020 WorldSBK Championship is confirmed to run over eight rounds – three of which have already been completed – with two events at Aragon next, followed by the Circuit de Catalunya, Magny-Cours and finally Estoril on 16-18 October.

Estoril has held only two WorldSBK events since the series' inception, though it was a regular on the MotoGP calendar (pictured) between 2000 and 2012. Meanwhile, MotoGP will return to Portugal this season for the first time since 2012 wuth a new round at Portimao.

Jorge Viegas, FIM President said: “I am glad that it was possible to add a second round in Portugal and to see WorldSBK returning to Circuito Estoril, which had already hosted this very competitive championship in its founding year back in 1988 and then in 1993. I would like to thank DWO, Circuito Estoril and the Portuguese Federation for making it possible to organise the final round of the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in Portugal.”

“The addition of a second round in Portugal on the calendar is very important for the growth of WorldSBK in the Iberian Peninsula and specifically Portugal,” added Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director of the Sporting and Organisation Departments. 

“It will add a challenge to a lot of the paddock as most haven’t visited this track, bringing an extra dynamic to the Championship as the season readies for a spectacular round at this returning venue. I would like to thank the FIM and the circuit for their cooperation and desire to be part of the 2020 calendar.”

Misano’s cancellation means there will be no Italian round of the WorldSBK Championship this season for the first time since the series’ inauguration. Nonetheless, Misano has secured a new three-year contract to host WorldSBK from 2021.

The upcoming Motorland Aragon round will mark the mid-way stage in the condensed 24 race season, with Jonathan Rea leading Scott Redding by four points.