The FIM Sportbike World Championship has had a stellar inaugural year, with plenty of riders fighting for the podium and for victory. With five rounds completed and just three to go, let’s take a look at how the title fights are shaping up in the Riders’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championship battles.
SALVADOR LEADS THE WAY
David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) is marching towards a first world title in the Riders’ Championship, and in one way, the pressure is off the Spaniard too as his future is already secure – he’ll move to WorldSSP in 2027. The #38 has 164 points to his name with two wins and seven rostrums scored in 2026, which has helped him to a 34-point lead over teammate Antonio Torres with 150 points left to play for this year. Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) is third in the standings, 35 behind Salvador, but don’t count the Moto3 race winner out of contention just yet.
MANUFACTURERS’ TITLE GOING GREEN?
Kawasaki enjoyed plenty of success in WorldSSP300 and that’s continued in WorldSPB, with the Japanese brand leading the Manufacturers’ Championship. They have scored 212 points this season and have a 70-point lead over Triumph in second, who have amassed 142 points. Just nine points behind the British manufacturer is Suzuki, on 133, followed by Aprilia on 125. Only the top rider in each race scores points in the Manufacturers’ Championship, meaning there are 150 points left on the table, so it is a healthy lead for Kawasaki – if they leave France with a 101-point lead or more, they will be crowned Champions.
THE TEAMS’ BATTLE
Unsurprisingly, given their riders are first and second in the Riders’ Championship, the advantage is with Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI in the battle to be crowned the first WorldSPB Teams’ Championship. They’ve scored 294 points between them, which has helped them to a 102-point lead over MTM Kawasaki, courtesy of Artigas, Loris Veneman and Roberto Fernandez in second. Just one point behind them is Track & Trades Wixx Racing thanks to the efforts of Jeffrey Buis and Ferre Fleerackers.
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