Aitchison after a top end hit at Monza

The Italian circuit is one where horsepower is absolute king, and Australia's sole WSBK hope is hoping to join the high-speed party on his BMW S 1000 RR

Australia’s Mark Aitchison is hungry for more horsepower ahead of the 2012 World Superbike round at Monza in Italy this weekend.

The circuit, situated north of Milan, places an absolute premium on top speed and performance with its long straights and sustained periods of full throttle action, and there are also ultra-quick corners and slow chicanes to contend with.

After a disappointing performance in the last round at Assen, where he was chasing his tail after crashing on day one, Aitchison is looking to build some consistency at Monza.

“Assen was a bit of a disaster. The rain and cold temperatures made it difficult but we just weren't on top of our game,” said Aitchison. “The traction control strategy was just really difficult to understand and at times when we adjusted it, it just didn't respond.

“I think if we can just try focus on finding consistency during all the practice and qualifying sessions at Monza, then we should have a good weekend. This fast layout will suit us as our bike is definitely fast, and I know the guys have been searching for a little more top end power. You have to be a little careful though as when you are at full throttle for so much of the circuit it can put a lot stress on the engine.

“Personally I just need a rhythm then I can concentrate on actually riding, and I certainly have some great memories from racing in both Superstock and Supersport at Monza. It’s not so technical, but it’s a track that’s not easy to be fast on.”

One rider who has produced the goods around the 5.777km over the last couple of years is 2010 world champion Max Biaggi, with his ultra-fast Aprilia finishing on the podium in three of the last four races, for two wins.

In 2011, Biaggi’s V-four reached a whopping 332.5km/h down the main chute at Monza and, with that sort of potency still at his disposal, will start as favourite for Sunday’s two 18-lappers.

Biaggi leads this year’s championship by 1pt – 92 to 91 -- over reigning title holder Carlos Checa (Ducati), followed by Tom Sykes (Kawasaki, 79), Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati, 66), Marco Melandri (BMW, 66) and Jonathan Rea (Honda, 65).

Guintoli and Rea are both coming off stirring wins at Assen, while Sykes has started from pole position in every round this year without tasting ultimate success, but clearly has the machine to go all the way at Monza.

Meanwhile, Checa is yet to finish on the podium at Monza on his V-twin Ducati, and may again find it a stretch in 2012 against the brute horsepower of his four-cylinder opposition, especially down the 1.195km main straight.

“We know that Monza will probably be the hardest round on the calendar for us and the Ducati, something we have also seen in the last two seasons,” said Checa. “We will do our best to take as many points as possible but realise that this weekend will be mainly about containing the damage. Two top 10 finishes would be good, and closing inside the top five would feel like a win for us here!”

BMW pair Marco Melandri and Leon Haslam should also be circulating at the front, and that also holds for Biaggi’s teammate Eugene Laverty and Suzuki duo Leon Camier and John Hopkins.

WORLD SUPERSPORT

Newcastle rider Broc Parkes (Honda) will head to Monza still searching for his first win of the season. He’s currently fourth in the standings, but got his season back on track at Assen after tyre problems in the opening two rounds.

Parkes is fourth in the standings behind Kawasaki pair Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret and Honda rider Sam Lowes.

Meanwhile, Melbourne’s Jed Metcher (Yamaha) will be looking to bounce back after crashing on lap one at Assen.

Live coverage will begain on SPEED at 7.30pm on May 6.

CURRENT WORLD SUPERBIKE STANDINGS (AFTER THREE OF 14 ROUNDS):

1 Max Biaggi, Italy, Aprilia 92

2 Carlos Checa, Spain, Ducati 91

3 Tom Sykes, Great Britain, Kawasaki 79

=4 Sylvain Guintoli, France, Ducati 66

=4 Marco Melandri Italy, BMW 66

6 Jonathan Rea, Great Britain, Honda 65

7 Leon Haslam, Great Britain, BMW 58

8 Eugene Laverty, Great Britain, Aprilia 56

9 Jakub Smrz, Czech Republic, Ducati 39

10 Davide Giugliano, Italy, Ducati 37

24 Mark Aitchison, Australia, BMW 1

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Aitchison after a top end hit at Monza

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