The World Superbike finally returns after a long Summer break, and Leon Haslam and Max Biaggi will continue their fight for the World Superbike title at Nurburgring.
Nurburgring will be the 11th round of the World Superbike series, which doesn't give Haslam much time to catch up. Haslam is currently 60 points behind Biaggi, and with only 6 races left, Haslam will have to on the top of his game to put on the pressure on Biaggi.
Of course, Biaggi could mathematically clinch the title at this weekend's race. But it would take two first place finishes for Biaggi, and two DNF's for Haslam, which isn't likely to happen. Haslam is determined to keep the pressure on Biaggi, and promises to give him something to think about during the final rounds.
“I’ve managed 11 podiums this year, had just the one non finish, in America, and only really had the one bad round at Brno but it was a good round for Biaggi so it highlighted my problems even though I got two top ten finishes that day,” Haslam said. “I’m ready to get down to business now and I’d certainly like to add to my race wins in 2010 when we get to Germany and maybe give Max something to think about for the last couple of rounds.”
Neither Haslam or Biaggi finished on the podium last year, but Jonathan Rea, Carlos Checa, and Noriyuki Haga, did.
Rea won race two at Germany last year, and will be looking to do the same this time around. Rea currently sits comfortably in third place, 70 points behind Haslam, and 39 points ahead of Checa. Rea is tied with Haslam for race wins this year with 3, but will need a few more if he wants to move up in the standings.
Cal Crutchlow's phenomonal performance in Great Brittain moved him into 5th in the World Superbike championship, but the momentum from that race weakend over the summer break.
"Silverstone was an incredible experience for me," said Crutchlow. “I believe we can go on and repeat the success at the following three rounds."
Haga and Toeseland should also be contenders for the top spots in Germany. Both riders have had a rough season so far, but there is no denying that they are both capable of taking home a race win.
Nurburgring will begin the final stretch of the World Superbike season, but with 150 points still up for grabs, the race is far from over.
