BSB Oulton: New event format in place for the 2021 season

The 2021 Bennetts British Superbike season gets underway at Oulton Park this weekend and there will be a new event format for the riders to adjust to.

The revamped format, in place for the entire season, will put more emphasis on Friday’s free practice sessions, with automatic spots in Q2 up for grabs. Named the SUPERPICKS Free Practice sessions, the leading 12 riders on the combined standings at the end of Friday will go directly into Q2.

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On Saturday morning there will be a shorter free practice session before those outside the top 12 take part in Q1. The top six in that session will qualify for Q2 and join the 12 pre-qualifiers from the opening day.

The remainder of the race weekend will be the same as the 2020 season; a shorter sprint race on Saturday afternoon, followed by two feature races on Sunday. There will still be a warm-up session on Sunday morning.

Of course, the Showdown also returns following its hiatus from the shortened 2020 campaign, however eight riders will now be able to take part. The main season will consist of eight events and 24 races, after which the top eight will be elevated to 1000 points together with any podium points accrued in the main season. Podium oints will be awarded for each main season race as follows:

• 1st – 5 points
• 2nd – 3 points
• 3rd – 1 point

The Showdown will consist of three events, at Oulton Park, Donington Park GP, and Brands Hatch GP, and nine races.The BSB Riders Cup will be awarded to the first rider outside of the top eight.

At the opening round FP1 and FP2 will take place at 12:45 and 15:50 on Friday afternoon. FP3 will then take place at 10:05 Saturday morning and will be followed by Q1 and Q2 at 13:15 and 13:46 respectively. 

The opening race of the 2021 season is scheduled to begin at 16:15 on Saturday afternoon and will be a 14-lap sprint race. Sunday’s 10-minute warm-up begins at midday, with race two and three taking place at 13:45 and 16:45 respectively.

Don’t forget to also check out our 2021 Season Preview which is included inside this week’s issue of MCN.