Supermoto World Championship

Supermoto World Championship

The Supermoto World Championship (S1 World Championship) is an FIM-sanctioned international motorcycle racing series that combines elements of road racing and motocross. Supermoto races are held on circuits that feature both asphalt sections and dirt sections.

Event Format

Supermoto races are unique in that each event features two completely different surfaces - riders transition between smooth asphalt and loose dirt or sand within the same lap. The dirt sections typically feature jumps, berms, and whoops borrowed from motocross.

Race Structure

1. Qualifying - Determines starting positions
2. Semi-Finals - Seed races for the final
3. Final - Main championship points race (typically 20 laps)

Classes

S1 (World Championship Class)

The premier factory-backed class featuring 450cc four-stroke motorcycles. Limited modifications allowed.

S2 (Privately Tuned Class)

More relaxed technical regulations allowing privateer teams and tuners to compete with modified machinery.

S3 (Amateur/Lightweight)

Entry-level class for amateur riders and young professionals.

Major Championships

2023 S1 Champions

| Category | Rider | Manufacturer | Points | |----------|-------|--------------|--------| | S1 World | Mattia La Preta | Husqvarna | 312 | | S2 World | TBA | Various | Various |

Historical Champions

| Year | S1 World Champion | Manufacturer | |------|------------------|--------------| | 2022 | Andreas Christou | Husqvarna | | 2021 | Mattia La Preta | Husqvarna | | 2020 | Orlando Burns | Husqvarna | | 2019 | Marc-Reiner Fernandez | GAS GAS | | 2018 | Thomas Chaire | GAS GAS |

Bike Specifications

S1 Class Technical Data

| Specification | Value | |--------------|-------| | Engine | 449cc single cylinder 4-stroke | | Power | 55-60 hp | | Weight | 105-115 kg | | Wheelbase | 1,450 mm typical | | Front Tire | 17" road tire on Motocross rim | | Rear Tire | 17" road tire on Motocross rim |

Supermoto Tire Technology

The key differentiator of supermoto bikes is their use of 17-inch wheels with road racing slick or wet tires mounted on modified motocross rims. This allows cornering grip on asphalt while the bike retains full motocross suspension travel.

Notable Manufacturers

Husqvarna

The Austrian-owned Swedish brand has been dominant in modern Supermoto, winning multiple championships with their FC 450 platform.

GAS GAS

Spanish brand now owned by Pierer Mobility (same group as KTM/Husqvarna), competing with the SM 450 and SM 510.

Vertigo

Spanish manufacturer specializing in trials and supermoto motorcycles. Known for lightweight chassis designs.

Scorpa

French manufacturer with strong supermoto and trials programs.

Key Circuits

Supermoto circuits are temporary venues often created at:

• FFF (France) - Famous French supermoto track at Carole Circuit
• Sarthe (France) - Le Mans area track
• Romain (Italy) - Lombardy region venue
• Osteria (Italy) - Tuscan track
• Kringen (Norway) - Norwegian venue

Skill Requirements

Supermoto demands a unique skill set:

• Roadracing techniques - Fast corner entry/exit on asphalt
• Motocross skills - Jumping, berms, sand dunes
• Surface transition - Smoothly handling grip changes
• Bike setup - Balancing asphalt and dirt performance

FIM Significance

The Supermoto World Championship is sanctioned by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), making it one of only a handful of official world motorcycle championships alongside MotoGP, World Superbike, and World Enduro.