The break is over and so the World Superbike paddock heads over to Nürburgring, Germany for round 11 of the championship. After 2 “All Brit” podiums during the last round at Silverstone and with 5 of the Magnificent 7 in the top 10, this year’s championship should have been all about the Brits. But with only 3 rounds and 150 points up for grabs, Max Biaggi and the Aprilia team obviously never received that memo. Even with a commanding lead of 60, Max is still refusing to “settle for points”. So the battle lines have been drawn and Leon Haslam is out to keep the pressure on and is hoping to giving Max “something to think about!”. Last year Leon managed a 6th and 5th place but felt he could have done better as he was pushed wide by Jonathan Rea in the 1st race and then off the track by Ben Spies in the 2nd.
Currently 130 points behind Max is Jonathan Rea, after the highs of 2nd place in both races at Silverstone, 3rd place in the championship is only his to lose. But with his 4th and 1st place results from last years race he surely must be in contention for a podium or 2.
But lets not forget the “Man of the moment” and resident “Pole King” Cal Crutchlow after 2 fantastic home victories at Silverstone he has to have his sights set on trumping last years R6 wins by winning on the R1. For Cal the summer break is always too long and he can’t wait to get back to business in Germany.
Flip the coin (in more ways than one) to the other side of the Yamaha garage where you’ll find James Toseland, who for one reason or another is not having the best season of his career. But if he only proves one thing this year, it has to to be that he just never gives up. Having started many of this seasons races from a less than favourable grid position his 6th place standing in the championship shows his steely determination and experience. Unfortunately James has not raced here at Nürburgring since he was 18 years old thus putting him on the back foot before he’s even turned a wheel.
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I can’t help wondering if the very relaxed looking Michel Fabrizio has already secured a ride for next year, whilst Nori definitely has his mind on other things. If I was a betting gal I’d say…..watch out Rubens Xaus!
Jen
