WorldSSP was introduced in 1990 as a European Championship running alongside the Superbike World Championship calendar. It achieved full world championship status in 1997, and the official title Supersport World Championship was adopted in 1999. The championship is organised by Dorna Sports, which took over promotion from FGSport (later Infront Motor Sports) beginning with the 2013 season.
The series runs approximately one race per Superbike World Championship round, typically scheduled between the two Superbike races. Race distances are approximately 100 kilometres, with starting positions determined by two 45-minute qualifying sessions. Both a riders' championship and a manufacturers' championship are contested, with only the highest-finishing machine per manufacturer scoring manufacturer points.
WorldSSP historically featured tightly controlled technical regulations relative to Superbikes. The chassis must remain largely standard, and while engine tuning is permitted, displacement, bore, and stroke must remain at the homologated specification — no alterations to reach class limits are allowed. From 2020, slick tyres became permissible after the tyre regulations were relaxed from the previous requirement for road-legal rubber.
The 2022 season introduced the Next Generation framework, opening the class to larger-displacement motorcycles that previously fell between the 600 cc supersport and full superbike categories. The new rules impose a hard minimum combined weight for bike and rider, a maximum RPM limit, and several balancing measures including air restrictors and concession parts. These measures allow the governing body to adjust the competitive balance between different machines during the season based on performance data.
Homologated configurations as of 2022 and beyond include a variety of inline-four, parallel-twin, V-twin, triple, and other engine layouts within defined displacement bands, with specific weight limits applied per configuration. Formerly eligible machines include the Ducati 748, Ducati 749, Honda CBR600F, MV Agusta F3 675, Triumph Daytona 600, Triumph Daytona 675, and Yamaha YZF600R, among others.
Competition in WorldSSP is characterised by close racing and infrequent single-season domination. The 2001 season is a notable historical example: champion Andrew Pitt won the title without winning a single race, instead accumulating points through consistently high finishes across the calendar.
Several WorldSSP graduates have gone on to significant careers in higher classes. Cal Crutchlow, Chaz Davies, and Chris Vermeulen all moved up to MotoGP or Superbike World Championship contention after stints in WorldSSP. Others, including Fabien Foret and Kenan Sofuoglu, built extended careers within the championship itself. María Herrera became one of a small number of female riders to compete in the class.
Beginning in 2016, a secondary competition called the WorldSSP Challenge was established within the main race, awarding points separately for riders competing at European rounds only. It was previously known as the European Supersport Cup. The challenge was renamed WorldSSP Challenge from 2020.
The Supersport World Championship has functioned as a bridge between national-level racing and the top tier of world Superbike competition for over three decades. Its relatively accessible technical regulations made it an attractive entry point for manufacturers wishing to showcase mid-range machinery, while providing riders a platform to demonstrate ability against international competition. The shift to Next Generation regulations reflects an industry trend away from traditional 600 cc inline-four configurations, acknowledging that production supersport bikes in that mould have become less central to manufacturer ranges.