 Due to the economic climate many rule changes were discussed including one bike per rider and the banning of electronic aids.The season featured a new Evo Class for less-developed bikes and a new 'Showdown' points system to keep the championship close until the end.After a spell in the Superbike World Championship, 2006 and 2007 champion Ryuichi Kiyonari returned to the championship and duly picked up his third championship title, with superior results in the seven-race "Showdown" element of the championship; winning three races, to add to four he picked up in the first part of the season.