WorldSBK bosses have announced the first race of the WorldSSP season will take place under flag-to-flag rules, with a mandatory entry to the pits to change tyres for all bikes.

After speaking with the teams and based on the information gathered during the official two-day test at Phillip Island, FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization have decided to implement this format for Sunday’s race, adding a new challenge for the 24 riders set to line up on the grid.

“Due to specific track conditions seen at Phillip Island since Monday and some concerns regarding tyre life in race conditions, we decided that the best way to fully guarantee the safety of the WorldSSP riders and avoid any problems would be to do a flag-to-flag, which is in compliance with WorldSSP rules,” said WorldSBK chief Gregorio Lavilla.

“This is unfortunate, but we believe that it is the best course of action and will guarantee an exciting race this weekend”.

Riders are free to choose when to do their pit-stop, under the condition that no tyre is used for more than 10 laps. Race distance has also been shortened to 16 laps.

This decision does not affect any of the three World Superbike races, which are scheduled to be run in regular conditions as more flexible regulations for teams ensure that proper safety conditions will be met.