14/08/2026
WSBK in China? 🇨🇳 Why Ningbo Could Be the Top Choice Over Shanghai & Chengdu
The FIM recently conducted an inspection and survey of the Ningbo International Circuit to evaluate the possibility of bringing the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) to China in the future.
Setup with a total length of 4.01 kilometers and a width ranging from 12 to 18 meters. It features 22 corners of varying speeds and radius, along with a maximum elevation change of 24 meters. Depending on the event, the track can be flexibly divided into 5 independent configurations, including a 3.55-kilometer FIM motorcycle circuit layout, as well as East, West, and short East track layouts used for sector testing, new model launches, or performance car track days. Built along the hillside, the layout features dramatic up-and-down elevation changes, making it high-adrenaline for riders and visually thrilling for spectators.
Why was the Ningbo International Circuit shortlisted by the FIM as a potential WSBK venue? Let’s take a look at the major circuits currently in China:
* Zhuhai International Circuit: Built relatively early, its facilities are outdated and no longer meet international hosting standards. Most critically, the track is surrounded by dense residential buildings, creating an unresolvable noise issue. Thus, the likelihood of hosting WSBK here is extremely low.
* Chengdu Tianfu Circuit: Heavily requested by many fans, this track’s geographical location is actually ideal. Its air transport logistics are fantastic, sitting only about 35 kilometers from Tianfu International Airport—making it one of the few tracks in China located so close to a major international hub. Both the airport and the circuit are located in the Jianyang area. However, Tianfu Circuit was excluded because it is only two-thirds complete and not yet fully constructed.
* Shanghai International Circuit (SIC): As the host venue for F1, its physical infrastructure naturally meets all international event standards. Shanghai is a major port city with superior aviation links. However, it is reported that the key figures pushing to bring WSBK to China are Zhang Xue and Geely Chairman Li Shufu. Since the Ningbo Circuit was funded and built by Geely Group, bringing the race to their home ground is naturally their top priority—eliminating Shanghai from the running.
After this round of elimination, Ningbo remains the only candidate that combines complete track facilities with being Geely's home turf. Of course, this inspection is merely a standardized preliminary step. The circuit still needs to complete official certification, secure funding, and ultimately obtain dual approval from both the FIM and Dorna.
Nevertheless, the trend is clear: as Chinese motorcycle brands gain a stronger global presence, hosting a world-class race in China is practically a done deal. The only remaining suspense is when the official announcement will be made.
