WSBK preview: Imola
The world superbike title makes its way to the historic circuit near Bologna, with Carlos Checa the form rider at the venue – but he's unlikely to have it his own way this yearRound seven of the 2013 Superbike World Championship will take place this weekend at Imola's Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. After six events and 12 races, the "Master of Consistency" Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) heads to the second Italian round of with a 28pt advantage over Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) and an extraordinary average of 17.75 points per race -- despite his only win so far in the first race of the year -- and no DNF.
"I always have a special feeling to go and race in Imola,” said Guintoli. “The track is very challenging and the history of this place makes it so unique. Last year, I had a 1st row Superpole qualifying but a crash in raceone left me with a broken rib. After this, race two was one of the most painful experiences of my life! Fighting spirit level is high -- roll on Imola 2013."
Speaking of consistency, Carlos Checa (Ducati Alstare) has won five of the last six races at the iconic track near Bologna. The 40-year-old Spaniard, who is almost back to full fitness, after the shoulder issues that have been hampering his performance since round two at Aragon, will be riding an air restrictor free Ducati 1199 Panigale R, as per FIM regulations about the performance balance between twin and four-cylinder machines (article 2.4.8.1.3.).
Fond memories but no win yet at Imola for Sykes, who scored a surprising first pole position of his career in 2010 aboard the previous incarnatioon of ZX-10R. With the current Ninja, Sykes has finished twice second last year, after dominating for half the race and eventually surrendered to race winner Checa.
No love lost between Imola and Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team), who has finished no higher than fourth and, while former Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet) returns after a hot and cold Portuguese round. Melandri is yet to produce top-quality results on his home track in WSBK, but he's looking forward to a strong performance to keep himself in contention for the world title.
Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) climbed on the podium in 2011, when he crossed the line third in race two behind winner Checa and Noriyuki Haga. The Japanese star will make a one-off return to WSBK at Imola after 20 months since his last appearance, riding a privateer BMW.
Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) has been the only rider, apart from Checa, to win a race at Imola in the last three seasons (2011, race one). The Ulsterman was close to get a well-deserved double win, but an electrical problem forced him to a disappointing retirement, leaving the winning spot to the Spaniard. Rea's teammate Leon Haslam is still recovering from a broken leg but will race at Imola.
Aussie Matt Davies (Honda) and Mitchell Carr (Triumph) will again compete in world supersport, while Mike Jones (Honda) and Adrian Nestorovic (Yamaha) will be battling it out in the European 600 Superstock title.
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