Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola will return to the WorldSBK calendar for 2023 as a summer addition.

With the 12th round of the current campaign - which kicked off last weekend back with it’s traditional season opener at Phillip Island - set as tbc for the past few months, Italy has had it’s second Superbike visit confirmed as Imola returnes to the production class schedule.

The legendary venue will play host to the Italian round after an absence of three years, with the action resuming as the seventh round of 2023, from the 14th to the 16th of July.

A controversial choice for some, reigning champion Alvaro Bautista commented on safety concerns only last weekend describing the venue as a “very dangerous track.” Before adding, “we have the wall very close, so you don’t have too much run-off area in so many places.”

The organisers, however, don’t agree.

“After three seasons away, we are thrilled to welcome back Imola to the calendar in 2023,” Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director confirmed on Tuesday. “This second round in Italy confirms the popularity of the championship amongst the Italian fans as there is a lot of passion for our sport there with many Italian riders and teams in our paddock.

“Imola has an illustrious history within World Superbike, and we look forward to the 2023 Italian Round which promises to be an exciting event for the fans.”

“It is with great satisfaction that we announce this agreement with Dorna WSBK Organisation, which brings Imola back to the prestigious WorldSBK calendar,” Pietro Benvenuti, Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola General Director added.

“We know that there are many fans who wouldn’t miss this event for anything as Imola always had strong ties with this series. Not to mention that a World Champion on a Ducati will take to the track, undoubtedly a great incentive for many of the “Rossa” to watch on from trackside.

“Opting for the month of July is also strategic for the region as it will open business opportunities during a period when local accommodation options are not at full capacity, confirming the role of the circuit as a driving force of the local economy. It’s a great result made possible thanks to the full support of the Municipal Administration, which strongly wanted the return of Superbike to Imola.”