World Supers To Brno

The following is from Honda...

The modern classic circuit of Brno is the final round before the five weekend summer break in the World Superbike and World Superbike schedule, making it a psychologically important weekend as much as it is another valuable opportunity to score championship points.

Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) secured his first World Supersport Championship race win at Brno last year and the young rider from Northern Ireland is currently the highest-placed Honda rider in World Superbike, fourth overall. Having made his breakthrough WSB race win at Misano in June, Rea is out for more of the same from now until the end of his rookie WSB season.

Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR) is out to make up ground on his main World Supersport Championship rival Cal Crutchlow this weekend. Laverty now has to claw back a 28-point deficit, and keep 2007 World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) behind him as well.

Since the previous round at Donington in late June the top Honda teams and riders have had the opportunity to carry out testing sessions, at Imola; a recently modified circuit which returns to the calendar for 2009. Imola features some sections that are similar to Brno, but no circuit on the calendar features quite so many wide and fast chicanes as the Czech round, or a more sustained uphill drag towards the final corners.

Brno is a popular circuit with virtually every rider, such is its wide, fast and scenic layout. Weather conditions are expected to be hot, but not as blistering as the 35 degrees experienced during the Imola tests on 15 and 16 July.

Fastest WSS rider in the recent Imola tests, Sofuoglu is third overall in the championship standings, with Crutchlow in on 185 Points, Laverty 157 and Sofuoglu 121.

Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda CBR1000RR) posted his fourth podium of the season at Donington, and having tested at Imola as well he is ready for the challenge of Brno, which he has raced a Superbike around before. He is now fifth in the standings, only ten points from Rea.

Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) is ninth overall, with Ryuichi Kiyonari (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) 11th but only two points behind his fellow Honda rider.

Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) is fifth in the overall WSS rankings now, one place and four points ahead of Anthony West (Stiggy Racing Honda CBR600RR).

After a scare during the Imola tests about how well his previously injured hip was healing, John Hopkins (Stiggy Racing Honda CBR1000RR) will arrive at the Brno race with positive MRI scan results to bolster his confidence levels. Despite his late arrival in the series and his recent injury, he was eighth in race one at Donington Park.

Matthieu Lagrive (Honda Althea CBR1000RR) continues to adapt to life in WSB this weekend after starting the year on a 600cc machine. Mark Aitchison (Althea Honda CBR600RR) and Jason O'Halloran (Althea Honda CBR600RR) represent the Althea WSS squad this week, as Aitchison attempts to get back on his Kyalami podium pace, and his fellow Aussie O'Halloran takes only his second career WSS ride; his first for Honda.

Miguel Praia (Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR) finally enjoyed his testing ride at Imola, and will be out for his second top ten finish of the year at Brno.

Gianluca Vizziello (Stiggy Racing Honda CBR600RR) is hoping for updates in time for Brno, while his fellow Italian Vittorio Iannuzzo (Squadra Corse Italia Honda CBR1000RR) hopes to build on his Imola WSB testing experiences.

After the long summer break the championship restarts at the Nürburgring, Germany, from 4 to 6 September, at what will be the 11th round of the 14 round season.

Jonathan Rea: "Brno was the place I won my first WSS race last year and I start giggling every time people start talking about Brno! Our recent test in Italy went well, and we really didn't change so much on the bike. The bike has a good balance and we went fastest at the test, which was a result I think we all deserved as a team. I am really looking forward to Brno and it would be nice to leave there with two strong results. I am motivated every time I ride the bike now because I know we can win."

Leon Haslam: "I was consistently doing fast times at Imola on race tyres on the final day, so I am looking forward to Brno. We tried a lot of things there, suspension set-up, electronics and clutches, but ran out of a little time to put it all together, so we will do that at Brno in early practice."

Ryuichi Kiyonari: "On the second day of ours tests at Imola we found a good setting and I understood more about how the Öhlins suspension feeling is. By the end of the last session I was feeling better about it all. Brno was not that good last year but I hope this year will be better."

Carlos Checa: "We tried lots of different set-up solutions at the Imola tests, and then we moved on to tyre testing. We were top five on real race pace at Imola, even in the heat, but in some areas I still feel I can improve. There are some similarities between Imola and Brno, especially the changes of direction. I think it should be a good track for us."

John Hopkins: "I like riding the Brno track. It was my first European track after coming here in my first year of racing overseas in 2000. I have been able to set some decent results, both in qualifying and racing. It's a nice and flowing circuit to ride. After our test last week I am feeling confident for the next race. I'm working on getting a hundred percent fit again in the days leading up to the race. The bike feels great and I just want to bring it on the podium at Brno."

Matthieu Lagrive: "We are glad to have been able to test in Imola for two days because it was good preparation for the rest of the races this season. We improved the base set-up of our bike and we found some good solutions to be used at Brno. I like Brno; it's technical and fast and it also suits my riding style. I know that I have to work hard during practice, to be able to start in a good position."

The following is from Ducati...

The Ducati Xerox Team has had nearly a month to recover since the last round at Donington Park last month, and Noriyuki Haga in particular was in need of the break, after suffering a dramatic crash during the second race of the UK's only Superbike round in which he fractured the ulna bone in his right forearm and cracked his left scapula in three places. In the last three weeks, since leaving Derby City Hospital, Noriyuki has concentrated on intense physiotherapy sessions in order to be ready to return to the fray this coming weekend. Michel Fabrizio scored a podium finish in the UK but knows he can do better at upcoming Brno.

Former Ducati Xerox rider Troy Bayliss did the double at Brno last year on board the Ducati 1098 while Michel Fabrizio scored his best result of the 2008 season with a second and third place finish. Michel lists the track among his favourites, undoubtedly due to the fact that over the last six races he has finished on the podium five times, although he has still to score a win. The Italian rider also holds the record for the fastest lap, recorded with his Ducati 1098 at the Czech track in last year's second race. Noriyuki has fared fairly well at Brno over the years and won a race there in 2005.

Last week the Ducati Xerox squad participated in an official two-day test session at Imola circuit, arranged by championship organisers Infront Sports. Noriyuki was of course not riding at the tests, but Michel took part and proved that Imola suits his style by being one of the fastest and easily the most consistent rider over the two days. The team were extremely satisfied and collated valuable data in preparation for September's Imola race weekend.

Noriyuki Haga (1st in championship, 308 points)
Noriyuki is confident and knows that the Ducati performs at the Czech track, having witnessed Bayliss do the double on the 1098 in 2008.  "After the crash at Donington I've been doing a lot of physiotherapy in order to get back into shape as quickly as possible and in time for Brno. It's a pity I couldn't take part in the Imola testing as that would have been very useful but it was just too soon and it's more important to be fit to race. I'm not sure that my arm and shoulder will be 100% by the weekend but I'm confident I'll be ready for the races and will fight to take as many points as possible."

Michel Fabrizio (3rd in championship, 257 points)
Taking the results of the last three years into consideration, Michel has performed better and been more consistent at the Automotodrom Brno than any other Superbike rider. "Brno is probably my favourite track on the calendar, mainly because it's the circuit where I've had most success! Since 2005 I've only failed to reach the podium once so that's not a bad record but I know that this year I have some stiff competition. I will be looking for two more podium finishes, preferably a race win, this weekend as I need to do everything possible to close the gap between me, and Nori and Ben."

The following is from BMW...

The tenth round of this year's Superbike World Championship takes place at the Autodromo Brno circuit on 26th July and both Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser are eager to find out if the results of the recent Imola tests are going to bear fruit. As expected, the season has not been an easy for the new team but the whole crew are looking forward to Brno and hopeful of a return to their early season form. The sweeping nature of the 5.403 kilometre track should be better suited to the S 1000 RR and Ruben and Troy would like to finish the last race before the summer break with good results.

Ruben
Our recent tests have gone well and the bike is definitely working better now. It is more rideable and I am much more happy about the prospect of racing it in Brno. The track is a good track and I think that all riders enjoy it a lot. Although there are some slow corners, it is a flowing track and I think that our bike will go well there. It has been a long, hard season so far, but I feel positive that Troy and I can do well in Brno. Afterwards we have five weeks or so before the next race, so it would be great to leave Brno with some good results.

Troy
After the Imola tests, I feel that the bike is more easy to ride and the things we tried are definitely in the right direction. So I am looking forward to Brno because the track should suit us and we should be able to get something positive out of the races. It's not been an easy season so far and my injuries have not helped, but my hand is no problem now and my right shoulder is nearly fully OK. I like Brno and am hoping that we can leave there with two good results and then enjoy our summer break.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
We saw some positive signs in our recent tests and are very hopeful that Brno will be a good event for us. Certainly, Ruben and Troy have given us very positive and encouraging feedback about what we tried in the recent tests and now we have to see what will happen in Brno. The track should be good for us and we are all looking forward to a positive weekend before the summer break. The team have worked hard and long all year and I think we all need a bit of break, some time to rest and consider all the things that have happened since we began this great adventure. This is the hardest year in WSBK history and the challenge is very tough, but all of us are happy to be in this big fight and be sure we will do the very best we can.

The following is from InFront...

The Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship heads to the Automotodrom Brno in the Czech Republic this coming weekend for the tenth round of this year's series. The Czech Round is the last event before the summer break, which will be a well-deserved opportunity for teams and riders to get some rest in view of the final four-round rush to the finish starting in September.

The 5.403 km Brno track is a particularly challenging circuit, with constant uphill and downhill sections that provide a severe test-bed for both man and machine. World Superbike has raced at Brno six times in the past: first sporadically in 1993 and 1996, and then a constant fixture since 2005. Three of the four recent editions have been dominated by four-cylinder machines, especially Suzuki who have won four races since 2005 thanks to Yukio Kagayama (2), Troy Corser and Max Biaggi, with the score completed by wins for James Toseland (Honda) and Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha). Last season the trend was inverted and Ducati, who had suffered in previous years, this time dominated the two races, placing five riders in the top 6 and giving a double win to Troy Bayliss.

HAGA GRITS HIS TEETH - In 2008 Noriyuki Haga failed to shine at Brno, and even this time things don't look too promising for the championship leader. Haga comes to the Czech circuit in not the best of physical condition following his crash at Donington, and most probably will be playing a defensive game. But the Japanese rider, who is rapidly recovering from a broken wrist and scapula, has often accustomed the WSB world to miraculous recoveries and he will certainly be doing everything within his powers to defend his points lead. His closest rivals for the title, Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) and Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) will be looking to take advantage of the situation; the Texan is getting closer and closer to the top of the championship and his minimum aim is to reduce the 14-point gap at the top, and continue the run of 10 wins in 18 races this season. Fabrizio will have a dual role at Brno. On the one hand he will have to take points away from Spies to help his team-mate Haga, while on the other he will have to go on the attack because the world title is still a possibility seeing as he is just 51 points behind Haga, with 250 still up for grabs. Brno is a track that has always brought the best out of the young Italian, and now he is constantly up amongst the front-runners he is one of the favourites together with Spies.

OUTSIDERS - The formidable trio at the top are coming under attack from a series of rivals, including the increasingly competitive Hondas of Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate) and Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing). In the recent test at Imola, the Northern Ireland youngster - and Misano winner - showed himself to be back on the ball again after the disappointment of Donington, and the ups and downs of Brno, where he won last year on a Supersport Honda, have the right characteristics to bring out the best in him. As for Haslam, the British rider is having an outstanding season and will surely be one of the protagonists in the Czech Round. As will Jakub Smrz (Ducati Guandalini), who will be aiming for a podium at his home circuit. The list of outsiders also includes Shane Byrne (Sterilgarda Ducati), Tom Sykes (Yamaha World Superbike) and Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).

BMW UP, APRILIA STABLE - The official Imola tests highlighted the progress made by BMW, despite a few problems for Troy Corser. The new spec engine gave a positive response and Ruben Xaus was able to set the seventh best time overall. It will be used at Brno and the two riders are confident they can get closer to the podium zone. At Imola on the other hand the Aprilias were in some difficulty, and neither Max Biaggi nor Shinya Nakano were on the pace. The Italian squad comes to Brno after a positive pre-Donington test and can in any case count on Biaggi, who is always quick at this track where he won in 2007.

NEUKIRCHNER OUT AGAIN - It has been a decidedly unfortunate season for Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare BRUX). The German, who was back on the bike for the first time at Imola following his crash at Monza, was the victim of a bad crash again, in which he suffered a fractured vertebra. Neukirchner will have to wear a torso cast for at least 40 days, after which a check will be made on his condition. At Brno for the moment the Suzuki Alstare team line up only includes Yukio Kagayama.

SUPERSPORT - Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport) starts the Brno weekend as the man to beat. In the recent tests the points leader confirmed himself to be the rider most in form and he will be aiming for his third win in a row, which would take him ever closer to the world title. The other two men still in with a chance are Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), 28 points behind, and Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who has to win if he wants to continue to go for the title. Team-mate and reigning champion Andrew Pitt is still looking for his first decent result this year, while Fabien Foret (Yamaha World Supersport) and young Spaniard Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Provec) will also be up at the front. One team that is on the up is ParkinGo Triumph Be1 Racing, who scored the marque's first podium in Supersport at Donington and who will be hoping for a repeat performance from Garry McCoy and Gianluca Nannelli at Brno. Italian Massimo Roccoli races for a Czech team, so will also be looking for a good result in front of Intermoto Honda's home crowd.

The following is from Suzuki...

After the very unfortunate injury to Team Suzuki Alstare Brux rider Max Neukirchner in his comeback at the Imola tests last week, Yukio Kagayama will be the team's sole rider in Brno this coming weekend. Max suffered damage to four of his vertebra when he fell in Imola and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he recovers from his injuries. With Brno so soon after Max's crash, the team have decided not to replace him this weekend, preferring to consider their future plans in a calm and considered manner, especially as there is a five week break after this weekend.

Yukio
I feel very sorry for Max. It is a great pity that he hurt himself in the first time back on the racebike. This season has not been a lucky one for our team and also we have not found it so easy getting the bike to where we would like it. The bike seems very sensitive and finding a good base set-up at every track has been difficult sometimes. We tried many things in our recent tests, but I do not think we found a good solution or direction. Brno circuit is a flowing track, so I am hoping that it will suit our K9 GSX R1000 better. I like the track and I will fight my hardest for the best possible results - as usual.

The following is from Yamaha...

Yamaha World Superbike Team riders Ben Spies and Tom Sykes head to Brno this weekend for their first race on the Czech Republic circuit. Both Spies and Sykes are on confident form having given their 2009 R1 race bikes a thorough shakedown and test at the official World Superbike test at Imola last week. Spies comes to Brno just 14 points behind championship leader Noriyuki Haga with everything to play for whilst team mate Sykes has his eyes fixed firmly on the top five with five rounds left to run in the 2009 championship.

The Automotodrom Brno is a 5.403km circuit that features constant elevation changes and the fastest chicane in WSB. The uphill straight towards the last chicane features an incredible power sapping 7.5% gradient, which will test the strongest engines on the grid.

"We had a good test at Imola last week so I'm in a confident mood," said Ben Spies. "Brno is yet again another new track for us so I'm really looking forward to running around the circuit this week and then getting out on the bike on Friday to get a feel for it. We only have ten races left now to the end of the championship so we need to make every one count. Everybody is going to be working hard to be up front this weekend so it's going to be a tough race but I'm excited about it." "I'm really looking forward to showing some more of my recent pace," said Tom Sykes. "I've been getting faster and faster all year as we've resolved some issues with the set up and now I feel we've got a package I can use to challenge and stay with the front pack. I haven't ridden Brno before but I think we can pick it up quickly on Friday and get cracking on the bike set up."

Brno technically speaking according to Tom Houseworth, Ben Spies Crew Chief
"We've just finished a very productive test at Imola. We were working on some suspension components, a couple of new Pirelli tyres and the overall race setup of the bike. We have been having a small problem keeping the rear wheel of our Yamaha R1 on the ground during very heavy braking however the combination of our fork specification along with some of the components we tested at Imola should help with this issue for Ben moving forward. We will start the Brno weekend on bike 1 with a comfortable base setting (std link, offset and ride heights etc.) with the exception of the test components which we will start with straight away to get as much data as possible and make sure the feeling is the way we want to go. If everything feels good we will continue to fine tune our race setup paying attention to the weather as it's possible that Bruno will be hot. It will be important to find the right tyre combination that will last the race, allowing us to be near the front."

Brno technically speaking according to Sergio Verbena, Tom Sykes Crew Chief
"For Brno we'll start with the same setting we used at Imola last week, which is similar to the Donington set up as well. It worked well for us in Italy so we'll use that as a base. Brno is a smooth track, with fast chicanes and only one hairpin, so doesn't necessarily need something special in the settings. We're feeling confident because Tom had a good race pace in Misano and Donington, and also in Imola. It looks like the setting we found in Misano is working well everywhere, so that's pretty much our base setting now, we just hope the temperature won't be too hot!"

We are going to a really nice circuit so I think we can do well there," said Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha World Superbike Team Manager. "In the past Yamaha has worked well there and we've had a lot of podiums so I think we will continue to do well. When we moved from to Supersport to Superbike racing Brno was where we won our first race so it's a significant place. The test at Imola last week also gave us some good results so we left there feeling optimistic and looking forward to this weekend."