British Eurosport confirms 2010 WSB plans

British Eurosport has outlined details of its most comprehensive coverage of the World Superbike championship ahead of this weekend’s 2010 opener at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia.

Each race will be broadcast live on British Eurosport and from the second round in Portimao and for every European round of the championship, viewers can also enjoy coverage in stunning high definition on Eurosport HD.

All the action will be streamed LIVE on the Eurosport Player and for the first time, every race will be available as video on demand for those who missed it or simply want to watch again.

Interest in World Superbikes is massive in 2010 with a seven-pronged British attack on the title.

Leading the challenge will be double WSB champion James Toseland on board the factory Yamaha R1. And reigning World Supersport champion Cal Crutchlow will join him.

Last year’s dominant British Superbike champion will partner vastly experienced Italian Max Biaggi at Aprilia, while there are high hopes for Ten Kate Honda rider Jonathan Rea, who is hotly-tipped to mount a serious assault on the title.

Shane Byrne had a morale-boosting performance in a dress rehearsal test at Phillip Island last week and looks a strong podium contender on the Althea Ducati. And don’t forget Leon Haslam on the Alstare Suzuki or Tom Sykes on a factory Kawasaki.

Eurosport commentator Jack Burnicle reckons his top tips for British glory are Rea and Haslam, who have both been consistently fast during pre-season testing.

“Of the seven Brits, Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam look to be best bets for the title but James Toseland and Shane Byrne could be dark horses.

“Nori Haga won the first race at Phillip Island last season by a whisker from Max Neukirchner’s Suzuki.

Haslam loves the place and grabbed a podium last year on a private Honda and has since replaced Neukirchner at Suzuki.

“Do I smell a possible maiden WSB win for the Derbyshireman? Ulsterman Rea turned 23 on February 2nd and celebrated by being the fastest in Portimao tests.

“He’ll be back there for round two and, after winning his first races last year for Hannspree Honda, must be a strong championship favourite if he can reign in occasional bouts of youthful excess!”

Burnicle will be joined by popular pundit Jamie Whitham in the commentary box while Tony Carter will be joined by a host of guests over the course of the season in Eurosport’s World Superbikes studio.

Qualifying and both races from Phillip Island goes out on British Eurosport 2.
Phillip Island schedule.

Saturday 27 Feb
0400-0500 LIVE Superpole qualifying on British Eurosport 2 0900-1000, 1215-1315, 1515-1615 & 2230-2330 Highlights on British Eurosport 2

Sunday 28 Feb
0100-0200 LIVE WSB race one on British Eurosport 2 0230-0330 LIVE World Supersport race on British Eurosport 2 0430-0530 LIVE WSB race two on British Eurosport 2 0900-1130, 1400-1630 & 2000-2230 Highlights on British Eurosport 2