WSBK – Is it really going to heat up in Misano? – Three men and a title

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It will really heat up in Misano ?

WSBK - Is it really going to heat up in Misano? - Three men and a title

The Mondial SBK begins its second half of the season on the Adriatic coast on Sunday … A dream destination at the start of summer? Not depending on the weather … Site takes stock of the ranking … before showers upset everything ?

Three men and a title

Titled for a third time in the World Superbike last year, Troy Bayliss has wisely retired – although he continues to complete laps at the controls of the Desmosedici GP9 and other V8 Supercars – leaving his former playmates s ‘explain between them for the succession !

A solid championship leader with 265 points, Noriyuki Haga brilliantly took over from Bayliss in the official Ducati of the Xerox team: winner of six races this year, he was only absent from the podium on three occasions. !

And again, his last two "bad" results (9th and 8th in Salt Lake City, read) should be put into perspective since the Japanese rider was physically impaired following a bad fall during practice..

"I plan to arrive in good shape in Misano and fight for the victory there", warns the famous n ° 41, delighted to meet the Italian crowd on the occasion of this new meeting" at home "for Ducati !

Nevertheless, Nitro Nori admits that this Italian track is not one of his favorites: "it is very short and collected with sharp turns that require heavy braking. I prefer the new route, but this trail remains difficult for me without really knowing why"…

Thus, in ten visits – and twice the races, therefore – Noriyuki has climbed only three times on the San Marinese podium without ever climbing the top step. Will the 1098 allow him to ward off the fate that seems to befall Japanese? ?

For his first season in the World Superbike, Ben Spies impresses: so far, the American of barely 25 years has signed all the poles – on circuits that for the vast majority, he discovered! – by winning one more race than Haga (7 victories, therefore).

Only a collision, his ardor and a mechanical problem prevented him five times from fighting for a podium that he has always won. Thus, the pilot of the official Yamaha n ° 19 totals a score of 212 points, synonymous with 2nd place in the general classification..

"I’m very excited to ride in Misano, it’s still a new circuit for me to learn and it’s cool"Says the insatiable Texan, author of a masterful double at his home three weeks ago.

"It was the fulfillment of a dream to win in front of my audience", affirms" Elbowz "who will run a little also at home this weekend:" the italian fans are great, they will make this race special for us as a team", notes the colt of Massimo Meregalli.

"We have to do well here to keep the championship wrestling going and I know we can", concludes Spies. Last year, Troy Corser – on the old R1 – had signed the pole and played the win in both races … Pretty good sign for Ben and his new R1 !

Finally, his counter showing 201 points, Michel Fabrizio is in 3rd position in the provisional classification, 11 lengths behind Ben and 64 behind his teammate Noriyuki. Behind, the competition was not sharp enough to keep pace: the title will therefore be played between these three drivers…

Since his victory in the first round of Monza, Fabrizio has not come down from the podium. We could therefore think that his coming to Misano would allow him to continue this beautiful series. Except that, unfortunately for the young Italian, it does not look so simple…

"Misano is not my favorite track and I have had a lot of bad luck here for the past three years: that must change in 2009", hopes the n ° 84 who crossed the finish line only twice in Misano (11th and 6th places).

"I fell back to 3rd place in the championship, but after Salt Lake Ben and I are very close", observes Michel who will try to"bring back as many points as possible this weekend !"The spectacle is therefore assured, as always in the World Superbike. Because other riders could also take part … The paddock tour continues !

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