The Gauteng Provincial Government in South Africa confirmed Sunday in a press conference that they will be adding yet another thrilling world event to the ever expanding motorsport calendar in the province, with the announcement that the Superbike World Championship will return to South Africa's Kyalami circuit next year for the first time since 2002.

The Superbike World Championship event will be held from 15-17 May at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg.

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa declared: "This event will assist in establishing the brand image of Gauteng as a home for competitive sport. It will attract investment and promote tourism which in turn will help us to grow the economy of province, deal with poverty and unemployment."

Paul Mashatile, Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs added: "The return of the Superbike Championship to Gauteng forms part of our ongoing commitment to develop the competitive sports sector of the provincial economy. Such motorsport events have the potential to boost economic growth and job creation and therefore we are very excited for 2009 and what it will mean economically for Gauteng".

According to Paolo Ciabatti, SBK General Manager, "The return of the Superbike World Championship to the Gauteng Province is very exciting. We are enthusiastic about this new venture with the Gauteng Provincial Government. This has happened at a magical time, with the championship on the up, and we know that the event in South Africa will prove to be very successful."