World Superbike Preview - Round 12 - Imola

Max Biaggi © Jen Watson Silverstone 2010

With only 2 rounds and 4 races left  leaving only 100 points available, Leon Haslam certainly has his work cut out this weekend as he is 58 points shy of the current table leader.  If Max "The Pirate" Biaggi finishes in front on Leon in both races,  he can even win the championship a round early.  As all us Brits are trying not to think the unthinkable, I'm sure I'm not alone when I say forgive me Max but we are all willing Leon on!
A couple of home wins and the Championship would be the icing on the cake for Max, who already has won 9 races this season.  Last years race saw him pipped to the post by Haga in Race 1 and 4th in Race 2.
The Xerox Ducati squad were strong here last year with a 1st and 3rd in Race 1 and 1, 2 in Race 2...lets see how much difference a year makes and not to forget that all important team boss change that I keep referring to.
Nestled in 3rd place is Johnathan Rea who was very happy to announce that he has resigned with Ten Kate Honda for another year in WSBK.  He is 64 points ahead of Carlos Checa in 4th place, and barring disaster and fingers crossed that I'm not doing a "Murray Walker" when I say 3rd must surely be his. Last year Johnny managed a 7th in Race 1 and a 6th in Race 2.
Sitting in 5th spot is Cal Crutchlow who is waiting to pounce on that 4th place this weekend.  He is a mere 7 points behind Carlos.  If his excitement at getting signed for MotoGP with Tech3 wasn't enough to clinch it, then I'm more than sure his current winning form will be.
Further down the table in a very lowly 7th place is JT52.  Hopefully James can pick himself up, dust himself, and this season off and get back to the winning form that we all know he is more than capable of.  We all know the rules of the game - 1. finish ahead of your team mate and 2. Points mean prizes...blah blah blah. But now that he has himself signed up to a new team (Mrs Toseland predicts BMW) he must wipe all of this years mishaps from his mind and concentrate on the finishing on a high. The possibility is still there for him next year to become the first superbike rider to win 3 championships with 3 different manufacturers.
Unfortunately Leon Camier will not be competing in this round due to his continued recovery from his broken Scaphoid.  He is determined to return but has said he realises that there is not point doing this and risking another injury before his is fully fit.  It is yet to be decided if he will be fit to compete in the last round of the Championship to be held at Magny Cours in France.  The team and I wish Leon a full and speedy recovery.

Shane "Shakey" Byrne © Jen Watson Silverstone 2010

Another brit who would probably like to get this season finished and a start another fresh is Shane "Shakey" Byrne.  Its already been well documented in the press that this weekend is "Make or Break" for Shane in terms of being resigned. He currently sits 12th in Championship, and with a DNF and 7th in last years races we know we can always can count on Shane to give it his all.
Once again, its all to play for in this exciting championship...but I can't help feeling sad that after this we only have 1 more round before what seems like that never ending off season.
As ever please add your comments.
Thanks for reading
Jen