WorldSBK: Imola returns to complete 2023 calendar

The famous Imola Circuit has returned to the World Superbikes calendar, with all the races for the 2023 season now confirmed.

There was one outstanding race remaining, with 11 of the 12 confirmed before the action got underway in Australia at the weekend.

The race in Imola will make up round seven of the season and will take place from July 14th to July 16th.

With it’s July date, it means that two rounds in Italy will take place in two months. The round at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli takes place on June 3rd and June 4th.

A trip to the United Kingdom and Donington Park takes place just under a month later on July 1st and July 2nd, with the Autodrom Most in Chezcia following the new round in Imola on July 29th and 30th.

This creates a very busy month for the series, but with three European based rounds, it shouldn’t be as logistically and mentally as tough as some of the grouped races we see in the likes of Formula One.

Speaking on the WorldSBK website, Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, said: “After three seasons away, we are thrilled to welcome back Imola to the calendar in 2023. This second round in Italy confirms the popularity of the Championship amongst the Italian fans as there is a lot of passion for our sport there with many Italian riders and teams in our paddock. Imola has an illustrious history within World Superbike, and we look forward to the 2023 Italian Round, which promises to be an exciting event for the fans.”

Pietro Benvenuti, Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola General Director, added: “It is with great satisfaction that we announce this agreement with Dorna WSBK Organization, which brings Imola back to the prestigious WorldSBK calendar. We know that there are many fans who wouldn’t miss this event for anything as Imola always had strong ties with this Championship. Not to mention that a World Champion on a Ducati will take to the track, undoubtedly a great incentive for many of the “Rossa” to watch on from trackside. Opting for the month of July is also strategic for the region as it will open business opportunities during a period when local accommodation options are not at full capacity, confirming the role of the circuit as a driving force of the local economy. It’s a great result made possible thanks to the full support of the Municipal Administration, which strongly wanted the return of Superbike to Imola.”