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.
Quietly nestled in 7th place in the championship is Leon Camier who has proved a worthy adversary and team mate for Max. Currently sitting on 164 points only 13 points behind James and 24 points behind Cal, Leon's recent form and podium at Silverstone says he is very much a man on the move and definitely not one to be ruled out.Even with only 3 rounds left there is still room for a championship shuffle and plenty important places left to fight for. So as we head towards the weekend I'll leave you with this to contemplate. Spare a thought for the guys of the factory Ducati team, whose shock announcement regarding their departure from the WSBK paddock next year has left us with a few questions. Could it be that it is Rossi or bust for Ducati? What will happen to Michel Fabrizio and Noriyuki Haga? I'll say only this...take a look at these 2 photographs both taken by me at Silverstone 2010.
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
