The FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB) was an all-new class within the overall WorldSBK paddock in 2026. It replaced the previous WorldSSP 300 class as the most accessible and affordable way for younger riders and growing teams to learn, gain experience, and ultimately compete for a World Championship in an all-new technical landscape.

The first year has been a resounding success for the championship in general, and the most successful manufacturer of all has been Kawasaki, thanks to the Ninja ZX-6R 636 and a number of strong riders and teams.

A remarkable final round at Jerez, the eighth on the championship trail, saw Kawasaki riders go 1-2 in the final Riders’ Championship standings, via debut champion Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) and runner-up David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI).

A 1-2-3 was a possibility until the final race of the year, but Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) ended up fourth in the final championship table.

Kawasaki also won the Manufacturers’ title thanks to the combined results of the best Ninja ZX-6R 636 rider. That success was secured at the penultimate round, with the final points advantage extending to 119 points over the closest rival.

Two Kawasaki squads fought it out for the Teams Championship right to the final round, with the Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI ending up with a 92-point lead over the MTM Kawasaki squad.

Kawasaki’s success came in a fiercely competitive season. Kawasaki riders took nine race wins from the 16 individual races, yet ten different riders won at least one race, representing five different manufacturers.

It was a hard-fought debut WorldSPB season, in every way, for Kawasaki, its riders and teams – but ultimately a successful one in all the main championship categories.

Steve Guttridge, KME Race Planning Manager, stated:

“It is amazing what our teams have achieved in the first year of the WorldSPB category, trusting in Kawasaki’s decision to use the Ninja ZX-6R 636. All the riders did a phenomenal job, with Xavi Artigas and David Salvador challenging for the title right until the final corners of the last lap. Both have very bright futures ahead of them within the Team Green family.”

#NinjaSpirit