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2014 WSBK South Africa Round Dropped, Nighttime Racing in Qatar Confirmed

Dorna and the FIM announce one more update for the 2014 World Superbike calendar, with the South African round dropped. The Phakisa Freeway circuit failed to comply with the required homologation standards, despite the efforts of the local management. While work is still in progress at the South African in Welkom, the track will not be ready in time.
Evening at the Losail Circuit in Qatar 1 photo
On a short notice, finding a replacement for the South African track was a rather difficult task, but it looks like the Losail circuit in Qatar is willing to host a World Superbike and a World Supersport event. The Qatar round will take place on 2 November, and will of course, be a night race, just like its MotoGP counterpart.

Nighttime racing in Qatar has become a common thing, as the temperature during the day makes such events impossible. The local management has equipped the Losail circuit with an impressive lighting system comprising no less than 44 13-megawatt generators, 1000 light-supporting structures, 3600 light bulbs and 500km of wires, all turning any race at this circuit a truly spectacular experience for both pilots and the audience.

This will be the last round of the 2014 WSBK and WSS championships and since the night will be a very long one, the prize-giving ceremony will be help on the next day, Monday, 3 November. The FIM is still searching for a replacement for the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, European Superstock 600 and European Junior Cup, powered by Honda. WSBK sources say that the awards for these classes “could be presented either at the French Round, scheduled on Sunday 5 October 2014 in Magny-Cours, or at the new venue.”

Currently, Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes is leading the WSBK standing, with 325 points, followed by Sylvain Guintoli for Aprilia (281) and Jonathan Rea for Honda (261). The top five is rounded up by Loris Baz (kawasaki) and Maco Melandri (Aprilia). The next round takes place on 7 September at Jerez.
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