WSBK preview: Magny-Cours

This year’s drama-filled World Superbike season draws to a close at the Magny-Cours circuit in France on Sunday, with Max Biaggi holding all the aces against main challengers Tom Sykes and Marco Melandri.

The Aprilia-mounted Biaggi – who already owns four 250GP world titles and the WSBK crown he won in 2010 – has been the most consistent rider all season, and even held his nerve when the seemingly unstoppable Melandri (BMW) surged to an 18.5pt lead in the championship after round 11 in Moscow.

Indeed, while Biaggi steadied it was Melandri who then drifted off course in the last two rounds, to the extent that Sykes (Kawasaki) is the rider most likely to pull a heist at Magny-Cours and take home the silverware in 2012.

Sykes is currently 30.5pts behind Biaggi, and then Melandri a further 8pts in arrears. Sykes is looking forward to the challenge at Magny-Cours, as well as “a little bit of luck”.

“We need a certain aspect of luck to help us out,” said Sykes.
    
“But, ultimately, it can happen. So I hope that we can put in two strong races and come out one place better. No matter what, if we finish top three we will have had a very, very good year.

“We have come from a long way back, have been winning races and challenging for race wins and I am sure next year we will be even stronger.”

Meanwhile, Melandri has recently spent time at home in Italy recovering from the injuries he picked up at the last round in Portimão. He suffered two broken ribs and serious bruising to his back when he was hit from behind by another rider – his 2013 teammate Chaz Davies -- after falling off his BMW.

“It still hurts, but I am feeling better with every day and cannot wait to head to Magny-Cours,” said Melandri.

“The last two race Sundays were difficult, but they are behind us now and we are as motivated as ever to fight on.

“The final round of the season will definitely not be an easy one, as it is fiercely competitive at the front of the field. It is important for us to work hard from the first day on in order to prepare as well as possible for the races.”

Last year’s Magny-Cours races were dominated by outgoing world champion Carlos Checa on his Ducati, with Melandri second on both occasions. Checa sits fourth in this year’s standings, ahead of Jonathan Rea (Honda), Eugene Laverty (Aprilia), Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati). Other contenders at Magny-Cours will include Davies (Aprilia) and Leon Camier (Suzuki).

In World Supersport, Broc Parkes will make his final appearance for the Dutch-based Ten Kate Honda squad at Magny Cours, as he chases his first win for the season. Parkes is destined to finish fifth in the championship, which has already been won by Kawasaki’s Kenan Sofuoglu.

And in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, Perth rider Bryan Staring (Kawasaki) still holds a flicker of hope to win the title, although he has to erase a 22pt deficit to Sylvain Barrier (BMW) and also rely on Eddie La Marra (Ducati) – who is 3pts behind Barrier – to perform well below his best.

There will be live coverage from Magny-Cours on SPEED from 7.30pm on October 7.

CURRENT WORLD SUPERBIKE STANDINGS (AFTER 13 OF 14 ROUNDS):
1 Max Biaggi, Italy, Aprilia 347
2 Tom Sykes, Great Britain, Kawasaki 316.5
3 Marco Melandri, Italy, BMW 308.5
4 Carlos Checa, Spain, Ducati 278.5
5 Jonathan Rea, Great Britain, Honda 255.5
6 Eugene Laverty, Great Britain, Aprilia 241.5
7 Leon Haslam, Great Britain, BMW 189
8 Sylvain Guintoli, France, Ducati 172.5
9 Chaz Davies, Great Britain, Aprilia 156.5
10 Michel Fabrizio, Italy, BMW 133.5