In one way the Tissot Superpole Race can be seen as an expansion of their mutually beneficial branding partnership . From naming rights in Tissot Superpole qualifying to a similar status in a real points scoring race too . It is also , however , a logical extension of Tissot ’ s existing WorldSBK philosophy . That Tissot Superpole race also determines the grid positions for the top nine riders in what is the final full distance race on Sunday afternoon . To put it simply , it is racing to qualify , in addition to being an important points scoring opportunity for the top nine riders . Tissot ’ s sponsorship of WorldSBK helps immeasurably from its public status and its sporting package , firstly via Tissot ’ s proven history of precision and quality being partnered in WorldSBK ’ s public image and practical timing needs . Secondly , in terms of modern datahandling capabilities , Tissot ’ s expertise and input is invaluable . If you look at the vast amount of results that are produced over a race weekend , in any of the WorldSBK ’ s Championship classes , accurate and extensive data gathering and huge organisational efforts are required . Tissot , Tissot , leader in the traditional Swiss watch industry has always made their product in Switzerland , have always made their products to exacting standards , a dedication to precision that is more than useful in a sport where the closest finishes in WorldSBK history are measured right down to the narrowest margins . The closest first-to-second finish ever recorded is 0.004 seconds . You cannot even visualise the first zero of that number in your mind within 0.004 seconds … Complete accuracy in these things is fundamental . As Tissot itself has said in its communications in the recent past , “ The athletes have made such a commitment , have made great personal sacrifices , so it ’ s absolutely imperative to be right .” Fittingly for a company with global reach and interests Tissot ’ s bandwidth of technical and sponsorship support crosses so many boundaries , with everything from WorldSBK and MotoGP™ in motorcycle sport to basketball , Asian Games , and iconic long events such As the triple crown in cycling with the Tour de France , La Vuelta Espana and the Giro d ’ Italia . Cycle race all timed or supported by Tissot .
From another viewpoint , adding WorldSBK to MotoGP™ in its motorcycle power-sports portfolio broadens the appeal and approach of Tissot to some potential new customers . In WorldSBK the link to the public , to bike enthusiasts of all kinds , is particularly strong , simply because the bikes are heavily related to the original showroom models that anybody can buy , provided by a wide range of manufacturers . No matter what level of machine is being raced in WorldSBK , the timing side of paddock life is firmly and happily within Tissot ’ s remit . In 2020 the opening race of the year saw a margin of victory of just 0.007 seconds – the equal seventh closest in history . What chance of repeating that or even better early in 2021 ? Look at the line up of talent and manufacturers and it seems a distinct possibility . Will a lap record go by just a thousandth of a second ? Log onto Tissot Live Timing on www . worldsbk . com this year to find out if it happens , as it happens . All through 2021 Tissot will again be the ones displaying just how close every race and qualifying session is . Want to know who wins Tissot Superpole at the first few rounds ? Or the short Tissot Superpole Races ? Or the full distance slug-outs between potential champions ? Tissot , WorldSBK ’ s trusted partner in precision , will be the official outlet to let us all know
“ The athletes have made such a commitment , have made great personal sacrifices , so it ’ s absolutely imperative to be right .”
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