World Superbikes is to follow the example set by British Superbikes and will change to a Formula One-style of qualifying for 2009 - dumping the current Superpole system.
FGSport CEO Paolo Flammini outlined that the new Superpole, which will be for the top 20 riders after the two qualifying sessions instead of 16, will consist of three elimination stints of 12 minutes each, with two 7 minute breaks between, making up a total session time of 50 minutes.

The slowest four riders will be eliminated after the first stint, and eight after the second, leaving the top eight fastest riders to compete for pole in the final stint.

The final regulations will be established and approved by the SBK Commission, which comprises the FIM, FGSport and the SBK Teams Association.

The new Superpole will be introduced at the start of the 2009 season and its timing will be moved back one hour from the current 4pm start on Saturday afternoon to a more media-friendly 3pm.

Superpole was introduced at the start of 1998 and by the end of this season, a total of 138 Superpoles will have been held in the eleven-year period.

Paolo Flammini also announced that the current championship’s technical rules will stay in place with no significant changes until the 2010 season included, and probably even afterwards. However a close eye will be kept on electronics development to ensure a fair playing field for all competitors.