The under-construction circuit, situated in Coalisland in County Tyrone, is headed up by Manna Developments and designed by Driven International - the firm behind Silverstone's new rallycross layout and the revised Pembrey circuit.

Development on the 3.6km Northern Irish venue – which is set to feature 12 turns and numerous elevation changes of up to 30 metres – is due to commence later this year, with construction expected to take up to 18 months.

WSBK Executive Director Daniel Carrera is pleased to add Northern Ireland, an important market for the series thanks to triple world champion Jonathan Rea's dominance in recent years, to the series' schedule.

“We are delighted to add Northern Ireland as a destination for the FIM World Superbike Championship,” he said.

“Lake Torrent circuit is a fantastic project that will deliver a high-class facility for competitors and visitors. We are proud that Manna Development and Mid Ulster representatives have chosen WorldSBK as their top event for the international promotion of the circuit and region.

“We know that the proper management of this kind of facility could provide the local community with new opportunities through business, job creation, leisure and tourism.

“With the large tradition and culture in motorcycling in Northern Ireland, I am sure that this even could become a reference in our championship in the near future.”

The Lake Torrent project is expected to produce in the region of 700 jobs during the circuit's construction, with more to follow with the addition of a retail and business park surrounding the track.

Northern Ireland is just one of several new territories WSBK is set to enter in the coming years, with a round in Argentina set for this season and an event in China having been mooted for 2019.