WSBK preview: Nurburgring

The 2012 eni World Superbike title heads to Germany this weekend for round 12 of 14, with three riders still in the chase for championship success – Italians Marco Melandri and Max Biaggi and Briton Tom Sykes.

Melandri (BMW) has been the star turn over the last few rounds, his winning form coinciding with a rough patch for Biaggi (Aprilia). That has seen the championship turned on its head, with Melandri finally overtaking Biaggi in the standings at the last round in Moscow, with the gap between the two 18.5pts heading into this Sunday’s two 20-lap races at the 5.137km Nurburgring layout.

Sykes, who has just announced a two-year contract extension with Kawasaki’s factory WSBK team, is third in the standings, a further 22.5pts in arrears of Biaggi. A maximum of 150pts are available in the final three rounds.

Nurburgring, which is nestled in the Eifel Mountains, is often known for its unpredictable weather, and it was a classic case-in-point last year when the sun shone for race one before the heavens suddenly opened shortly before race two. Eventual world champion Carlos Checa (Ducati) and Sykes were the victors on that day.

The changeable nature will have all riders on guard this weekend, and it’s one reason why Melandri’s focus is remaining razor sharp.

“We still have six races to go, which is a lot,” said Melandri.

“It is never easy because there are many fast riders and there is always the possibility of mistakes. The last few races have seen a lot of major changes in the championship.

“You can score many points, but you can also drop points. We need to focus on each individual race and to do our best to pick up some more wins and stay in front.”

Nurburgring is also BMW’s home round in the WSBK title, so there will be added pressure to reproduce Melandri’s recent winning form.

 “I am sure the races will be difficult, because Aprilia will work hard and try to regain the lead,” continued Melandri.

“Last year was my first time at the Nürburgring and I really like the track. The track is good fun. It is very technical. The first section is pretty tight, but after that the layout is quite fast and smooth and I think it will suit my riding style. If all goes according to plan, I am sure we can be competitive in the races.”

Surprisingly Biaggi has never finished on the podium at Nurburgring, even with the extremely powerful Aprilia V-four at his disposal over the last three years. That’s an incongruity Biaggi will have to address to keep himself within striking distance of Melandri.

Meanwhile, Checa is already a proven hard-charger at Nurburgring, and easily won race one in 2011. Jonathan Rea, who has recently been filling in for injured Australian Casey Stoner in MotoGP testing with Honda, has also won two races at the German layout since 2009, so he’ll also be coveting a top spot on the dais.

Leon Haslam (BMW), Eugene Laverty (Aprilia), Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati), Michel Fabrizio (BMW) and impressive rookie Davide Giugliano (Ducati) are in the mix for strong results this Sunday.

WORLD SUPERSPORT
Australia’s Broc Parkes (Honda) has only a few opportunities left to greet the chequered flag in 2012 and win his first race since June, 2011.

Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki) leads the championship by 33pts over Honda rider Jules Cluzel, with Parkes out of contention in fifth.

Australia’s second World Supersport rider, Jed Metcher (Yamaha), was second in the European 600 Superstock race at Nurburgring last year.

FIM SUPERSTOCK 1000 CUP
Australia’s Bryan Staring will continue his impressive campaign, which currently has him in third position on his Kawasaki, only 2pts behind second-placed Sylvain Barrier (BMW).

There will be live coverage on SPEED at 7.30pm September 9, and a 30-minute highlight package on SBS at 2.00pm September 16.