Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events Tim Holding today announced the extension of the contract for the Australian round of the Superbike World Championship for a further three years, with World Superbikes to stage the world’s leading production-based motorcycle racing at Phillip Island until at least 2014.

The agreement also sees Phillip Island as the official pre-season test venue for the next two years.

“This is great news for Victoria, given the increased worldwide media interest afforded to the hosts of the first round,” Holding said of the event that is expected to attract over 50000 people to Phillip Island this weekend.

“Hosting the official testing will see all teams arrive at Phillip Island a week early providing a further boost to the local economy.

“The World Superbike Championship delivers around $15 million in economic benefits to the Victorian economy, attracts almost 10,000 interstate and overseas visitors, and provides Victorians with an opportunity to see world class motorsport in their own backyard.”

Round one of the 2010 series will be staged this weekend, with Italian Ducati rider Michel Fabrizio quickest in official testing earlier this week.