The new WSBK Superpole was given its first try-out during the Portimao test in view of its introduction in this year's championship. The formula is based on three sessions of 12 minutes each. The first two are ‘knock-out' format with the top 20 qualified riders whittled down to 16 and then 8. The last 8 then fight out the final session for the front two rows on the grid. Each session is separated by a break of 7 minutes and all riders have two qualifying tyres at their disposal.