WSBK returns to the iconic Italian circuit this weekend for the running of the penultimate round of the 2010 championship. Max Biaggi is in a very strong position, 58 points clear of Suzuki rival, Leon Haslam. There are 100 points still available, so, technically, Max can afford to cruise and collect, but it’s an Italian race and Max is Italian and he’s on an Italian bike, so what do you reckon is going to happen?
Imola, with all those wonderful, lyrical corner names; the commentators love going there. Last year, you’ll recall, Marco Simoncelli had a wild-card at Imola and really brought the place to life. And in 2002 it hosted what many (myself included) regard as the greatest WSBK double-header ever, the title showdown between Bayliss, who’d led all season, and Edwards, who’d chucked a tantrum at the mid-season break and told Honda they’d better give him more power. Honda did and Edwards chased Troy down and won the title in the last race. Classic stuff.
In WSS, Ten Kate’s Kenan Sofoglu leads Eugene Laverty by 12 points with two races to go. Even if the Turk finishes 2nd to Laverty in the last 2 races he’ll still win the title again, byt 2 points so Laverty is really “under the pump” here.
Direct telecast from 1930 tomorrow night on FoxSports2 (channel 502). Don’t miss it it if you can.
