WSB: Jerez to host 2023 season finale in October

Jerez will host the final round of the 2023 World Superbike Championship season following the removal of the Argentinian round from the calendar.

The Circuito San Juan Villicum was due to host the finale on October 13-15, however it was cancelled due to the “intense electoral calendar faced by the country, which has led to a complex situation affecting the daily lives of people, provinces, and businesses.”

The statement from the FIM and Dorna at that time continued:

“Considering the proximity of upcoming national and provincial elections, Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO), Grupo OSD, and the San Juan government have chosen to suspend the event at the San Juan Villicum circuit.

“Furthermore, the round was scheduled on the eve of a government transition in the province, and it has been decided to wait and keep the schedule of events open for the new administration, showing respect for the political context and allowing proper planning for events of the magnitude of WorldSBK.”

Jerez will now host the final round two weeks’ later than the original plan, on October 27-29. It’ll be the first time that the series has been to the Spanish venue since 2021.

“We are delighted to bring the WorldSBK championship back to its roots at the legendary Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for the final round of the 2023 season,” WorldSBK Executive Director, Gregorio Lavilla said.

“Jerez holds a special place in the history of our sport, and it is only fitting that we conclude this remarkable season at a venue with such rich heritage. We look forward to witnessing the fierce competition and celebrating the sport’s legacy with the passionate fans in Andalusia.”

The circuit has hosted a total of 21 WorldSBK races, including the 1990 season opener. The championship has since hosted he circuit in the mid-2010s and between 2019 and 2021.

In 2021, Toprak Razgatlioglu completed the double on his way to the title, whilst Scott Redding secured a pair of podium finishes for Ducati. Jonathan Rea finished second in race one, whilst Alvaro Bautista came home in third in race two.

Saturday’s race in 2021 was cancelled in tragic circumstances following the fatal accident which claimed the life of World Supersport 300 rider Dean Berta Vinales.

The World Supersport Championship will also conclude its 2023 season at Jerez, however the WorldSSP300 category will finish as planned at Portimao on September 29 – October 1.

As things stand in the Superbike class, Alvaro Bautista holds a healthy 74-point lead in the championship over Razgatlioglu. The deficit could have been much smaller had Razgatlioglu’s rear tyre not failed whilst he was leading the final race at Most.