After the long winter break, the Superbike World Championship kicks off from the legendary Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. From 22 to 24 February, the Australian track will host the 1st round of the season. Opened in December 1956, is has hosted World Superbike races since 1990. With 55 races, it is the most used circuit of the World Superbike and the only one in the southern hemisphere.
The decision to race in February, during the height of summer, ensures riders temperatures well above those of the MotoGP. In 2015 the races were contested with 30 and 31 degrees (air temperature), in the 2016 with 22 degrees and in 2017 during the second race with 24 degrees. Naturally, asphalt temperature was much higher: in the last 4 years it has never dropped below 29 degrees, reaching peaks of 44 degrees.
According toBrembo engineers who work closely with 15 of the World Superbike riders, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is by far the least demanding circuit for the brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it earned 1 on the difficulty index, matched only by the Assen track.
