Next year’s World Superbike calendar looks set to expand from 12 rounds after information about the Laguna Seca round pointed to a 14-race championship.

The Californian circuit announced their race would be held on the weekend of July 19 and then the bottom part of their statement said: “Each of the fourteen rounds has a two race format and the results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships, one for riders and one for manufacturers.”

It is thought that Welkom will return to the schedule if the South African track can get up to safety spec and Dorna are keen for WSBK to test the waters at the Chilean Santiago circuit before MotoGP moves there. Moscow could also make a return if they have the cash and the Herman Tilke-designed Buriram International circuit in Thailand is also a possibility. So, the series could be as busy as 16 rounds...

Phillip Island will more than likely remain as the season opener on the weekend of Feb 23 and Donington Park’s round should be held in May, probably on the weekend of the 17th. Portimao isn’t a given as boss Paulo Pinheiro told bikesportnews.com the sanctioning fee would have to be reduced to make the race financially viable.

The official calendar is thought to now be finalised and may be unveiled at the Milan Show early next month.