WorldSBK preview: Laguna Seca, July 8-10

Laguna Seca is a legendary circuit in the true sense of the word, synonymous with its most famous corner: the Corkscrew.

So what’s new as the 2016 world superbike (WorldSBK) paddock heads to California for round nine of 13 this weekend (July 8-10)? The fastest answer is Nicky Hayden. The 2006 MotoGP world champion and rookie WorldSBK race winner is heading to the US track for the first time on his Fireblade, and anticipation is high to see the American legend in action.

As well as counting two MotoGP victories at the circuit, it also hosted the Kentucky Kid’s first win in AMA superbike competition. The track suits the rider and the rider suits the track.

"Everybody is expecting miracles,” says Hayden, wary of the hype – but track records speak for themselves.

Kawasaki's Jonathan Rea, after pinning down another double at Misano in round eight, is sure to want to put himself up as one of the men in Hayden’s path. The reigning world champion and points leader is also conscious of the need for consistency however, having amassed his lead in 2016 through making sure he has ended each race on the podium. An impressive feat, and with no previous wins at Laguna Seca sitting on a more than 66-point lead, Rea could roll the dice two ways: play it safe, or go for broke.

Rea’s teammate Tom Sykes had a solid weekend in Misano, and the newly re-signed rider now finds himself clear in the chase for second in the points table ahead of Ducati Chaz Davies – but the gap to Rea grew once again. The season heads into the summer break after festivities conclude at Laguna Seca, and Sykes will be looking to go all-out for glory in California, having already won at the track twice before.

Davies will be another optimist as the Welshman heads long-haul once again. He did the double at Laguna Seca in 2015, and will be eager to repeat the feat on a Panigale R that has moved forward even further. Furthermore Davies, after difficult weekends in Donington and Misano in terms of points scored, no longer counts on the freedom offered to his title rival Rea: the Ducati rider must walk the limit in his quest for the crown, beginning at Laguna Seca and sure to see the 2015 runner-up put everything behind starting to score those wins once again.

Honda’s Michael van der Mark could also play a role – having been back on the podium in Misano after some more difficult rounds – ad that also holds for Davide Giugliano (Ducati).

Elsewhere, Spaniard Jordi Torres (BMW) qualified on the front row at Laguna on his rookie visit in 2015, and he will be hoping to keep his key top 10 rivals at bay in California – namely experienced pair Leon Camier (MV Agusta) and rookie Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia). Yamaha’s Alex Lowes will be fighting fit at Laguna Seca once again, too.

Australia's Josh Brookes (BMW) is on his first visit to America, while his compatriot Anthony West will again deputise for the injured Sylvain Barrier at Pedercini Kawasaki.