The WorldSBK season has been marked by controversy, especially over the new bike-rider weight regulations that many said would be a disadvantage for lighter weight riders such as Álvaro Bautista. The two-time world champion was forced to add weight to his Ducati and failed to fight for the title, sparking criticism.
However, in a lengthy interview with the Pecino YouTube channel, World Superbike CEO Gregorio Lavilla dismissed all accusations. "The rules didn't make Bautista lose, and they don't penalize anyone."
A criticized regulation, but Lavilla defends the system
Lavilla claims that the current championship structure works: balanced categories, titles awarded often at the last race, and all manufacturers still in play.
According to the CEO, the goal has always been to ensure fairness without interfering with the natural "bike-rider-team-constructor" combination. He explained that changes in displacement, technical updates, and market differences often result from European regulations, not Superbike choices.
On weight rules, Lavilla made a clarification. "It's not about equal combined weight for everyone, which is impossible. It's a system that brings the averages closer together. The maximum ballast limit is ten kilos, and it's not an attack on anyone. Time passes, it passes for everyone. And, I want to tell you, Bautista will continue to be light even at sixty, so he could get on a bike and win."
He ontinued on Bautista. "Weight may have affected some aspects, but he remains a competitive rider. No one is against him."
Rea's and Toprak's farewell: "We lose stars, but new heroes are born"
Jonathan Rea's and Toprak Razgatlioglu's move to other categories represents a major change. Lavilla, who says he "saw Toprak grow up" in the World Championship, admitted he was sorry. "They're iconic figures with history and fans. Missing them is natural."
But he looks ahead. "The championship must continue to create new role players. That's why we're working on a more logical and safe intermediate category that will make it easier for young riders to switch to the SBK without trauma."
Liberty Media and the future of the championship
On the possible entry of Liberty Media, which is shaking the motorsport environment, Lavilla remains cautious: "We have the same questions as everyone. For now we continue to work thinking about 2027 and beyond. The important thing is not to live in uncertainty and move forward with the plans
What Lavilla wants to improve
Gregorio Lavilla loves the family atmosphere of the paddock, the closeness between drivers, teams and the public.
What he would like to change? "More public, more visibility, weekends that are true full shows."