Flammini confident of 24 strong WSB grid in 2010

World Superbike boss Paolo Flammini believes that next years championship will boast at least 24 full time riders with the possibility of more.

Despite the ongoing economical crisis that continues to have a huge impact in sports sponsorship the production based series looks set for another successful and competitive season in 2010.

With seven manufactures (Ducati, Yamaha, Aprilia, Honda, Suzuki, BMW and Kawasaki) each running two riders high quality racing at the front of the field is almost guaranteed, but while manufacturer support is strong the number of privateer or satellite teams does look set to decline compared to the 2009 high of 31 riders at Donington Park, which included three wild cards.

Speaking to MCN, Flammini said: “I think it is realistic that we will have 24 full time riders and being optimistic I hope this number can increase to 26 or 27.

“Yoshimura Suzuki will compete in four rounds as wild cards with the aim of coming to the series full time in 2011. I think it will be very interesting to have another high level Suzuki team on the grid.”