Bimota’s World Superbike challenge has been thrown a lifeline now the FIM has relaxed homologation rules meaning the firm only now has to produce 125 of its BB3 models in order to take to the grid.

The firm, which is racing under the Alstare banner and has Christian Iddon in the chair, will have to prove production of the official units and then build a further 125 by the end of 2014.

By the end of the second season, 1000 units must be in circulation and the Superbike commission will meet again at Phillip Island to review the regulations further.

“It is a common intention to bring the homologation requirements in line with the current situation of the motorcycle industry and markets worldwide,” said an FIM statement.

“The Superbike Commission will follow closely the production plan of each manufacturer in order to control the minimum number of units produced as above and guarantee the fairness of competition.”