This season sees the 10th year of FIM Stock 1000cc Cup competition, and with a new look format and plenty of new faces the prospect of another exciting battle seems inevitable.
Superstock 1000cc racing began in the late 1990’s and initially ran as a European championship before gaining FIM status in 2005.
British riders dominated the first three years with Karl Harris and James Ellison taking the honours. Since then 7 Italians, a Belgian, an Australian and a Frenchman have been victorious with Sylvain Barrier (the champion in 2012 and 2013) being the only rider since Ellison to defend his crown.
In terms of machinery there has been a variety of manufacturers claim the title, but the absence of Kawasaki on the winners list is perhaps somewhat surprising.
Looking through the list of past winners, it is clear to see why this category proves to be so popular with no less than 5 former champions racing in the 2014 World Superbike championship.
1999: Karl Harris (Suzuki GSX-R 750) European Championship
2000: James Ellison (Honda CBR 900) European Championship
2001: James Ellison (Suzuki GSX-R 1000) European Championship
2002: Vittorio Iannuzzo (Suzuki GSX-R 1000) European Championship
2003: Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki GSX-R 1000) European Championship
2004: Lorenzo Alfonsi (Yamaha YZF R1) European Championship
2005: Didier Van Keymeulen (Yamaha YZF R1) FIM Cup
2006: Alex Polita (Suzuki GSX-R 1000) FIM Cup
2007: Niccolò Canepa (Ducati 1098S) FIM Cup
2008: Brendan Roberts (Ducati 1098R) FIM Cup
2009: Xavier Simeon (Ducati 1098R) FIM Cup
2010: Ayrton Badovini (BMW S1000RR) FIM Cup
2011: Davide Giugliano (Ducati 1098R) FIM Cup
2012: Sylvain Barrier (BMW S1000RR) FIM Cup
2013: Sylvain Barrier (BMW S1000RR HP4) FIM Cup
This year’s series will be decided over 7 rounds, beginning in Spain at Motorland Aragon on April 13th.
