Leon Haslam was a race winner at this year's Phillip Island season opener.

Anyone who loves the speed and tension of world class bike racing knows a weekend at the World Superbikes at Phillip Island is a must, with tickets launched today for the 2011 Yamaha Australian round of the Superbike World Championship.

The event is provisionally scheduled for 25-27 February 2011 and is slated for the season opener at Victoria’s thrilling Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

It’s a three-day weekend of pure world class motorcycle racing, with seven manufacturers fighting it out in World Superbikes, backed by the Supersport World Championship and a full grid of support classes.

Action will be non-stop from Super Friday through to Sunday with fierce sessions of qualifying to enthral fans, and back-to-back racing Saturday and Sunday.

Buy a three-day ticket prior to the event and you’re invited to Super Friday with free paddock access on Friday morning allowing exclusive entry to an up front and personal chat session with all the leading riders.

A superstar field of the globe’s best production bike racers will be assembled, with Troy Corser (BMW) and a returning Chris Vermeulen (Kawasaki) flying the flag for the Aussies.

On the international defence will be Italy’s Max Biaggi (Aprilia), England’s Leon Haslam (Suzuki), Jonathan Rea (Honda), Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland (Yamaha) and Spain’s Carlos Checa (Ducati).

World Superbikes always delivers the island’s best bike racing of the year, and with six superscreens located trackside no-one misses a second of the action.

It’s a bike-friendly event, with fans allowed to ride their bikes through the outfield, pull up, get comfortable and enjoy the action trackside.

And to ensure a really laid back weekend, you can pitch your tent at the circuit campground just near Southern Loop and chill out with great views, an ocean breeze and no traffic hassles each morning.

If you love the speed and the tension of world class racing, and want to be the first to see live the new teams, bikes and rider line ups for 2011, plan now to head to the island next February.

Buy now and save on gate prices, with a Sunday race day general admission (GA) ticket for $70*, a three-day GA ticket for $130*, and ticket options for families and concessions from Friday through to Sunday.

A range of VIP hospitality packages is available so you can experience the world superbikes in style. BAR SBK may be your ticket – a portable three day pass that gives access to three undercover and licensed viewing locations around the circuit in prime locations for $240*.

If grandstand seating is more your go, you can book your seat on the start line stand and enjoy spectacular views of the circuit.

Accommodation options include economical trackside camping at $95* per adult – with the kids camping for free; or accommodation options in nearby towns.

Be quick and purchase at www.worldsbk.com.au before 31 December and you could win one of four positions on the starting grid for race one of the World Superbikes.

The 2011 Yamaha Australian round of the Superbike World Championship will be held from February 25-27 2011 and tickets are available now www.worldsbk.com.au or telephone 1 300 728 007.

* plus handling/postage charges