Geely (吉利) executive says company is willing to negotiate with WSBK to bring championship to China with Zhang Xue Motorcycles (张雪机车)

Geely offers to talk

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group senior vice‑president Yang Xueliang (杨学良) signalled on social media that Geely is willing to enter talks with the World Superbike Championship (WSBK; 世界超级摩托车锦标赛) organising committee to bring the series to China together with Zhang Xue Motorcycles (张雪机车). Yang reposted a report about WSBK’s China plans on Weibo and called on state broadcaster reporters to pass his offer to the series’ organisers, saying the company would be open to negotiating joint hosting possibilities.

WSBK’s interest, reportedly

It has been reported that WSBK executive director Gregorio Lavilla told state media he hopes the championship can race in China and that progress will require cooperation with Chinese racetracks and partners. Lavilla reportedly said discussions with potential Chinese partners have taken place over the past few years and that the recent emergence of Zhang Xue and other Chinese brands makes a China round more realistic and could accelerate the process.

Why it matters

A WSBK visit would mark a further push by China into international motorsport, showcasing domestic motorcycle makers on a global stage and helping develop local racing infrastructure. But staging an elite international series involves complex logistics — circuit upgrades, broadcast deals, safety homologation and cross‑border coordination — and can be affected by broader geopolitical and trade dynamics. For now the overture is preliminary and reportedly exploratory. Will manufacturers and organisers turn goodwill into a calendar slot? That question now shifts to the negotiating table.