The classic Le Mans, Suzuka and Bol d'Or races are roughly when we expected them to be and the season once again closes with a finale at the home circuit of the series sponsor.

Oschersleben moves to the end of May, at a meeting which we understand will once again be shared with the German Superbike Championsip. Get your entries in early! The Oschersleben 8 Hour format was one of the most gripping races of 2008 but it's a shame that the time / funding for a 24 hour race couldn't be found. The change of date is awkward for teams considering taking part in both the world endurance championship and the Isle of Man TT races.

Albacete's 6 Hour race has also moved, taking place just two weekends before everyone departs for Suzuka. This move is bound to have an impact on shipping bikes and equipment to Japan. It also shifts the race to a much hotter part of the year, and potentially puts it into conflict with Spain's very popular and well subscribed Barcelona 24 Hour race.

The FIM press release also raises the possibility of a Superpole style special stage qualifying event for next year's endurance races, "on the condition that an agreement is found for the TV broadcast of the events". We don't know if this has been done in order to make the championship more attractive to potential broadcasters, or at the request of a specific television partner.

Full press release here: www.fim.ch/sec/documents/f_5950.pdf