Veteran (Haga, 41) and Rookie (Spies, 19) test at Kyalami
I much as I hate to admit, I follow the technology behind MotoGP as much as I do the racing - the engineering behind the prototypes often leaves one in awe. That said, I have to admit that sometimes the racing can get a bit 'processional' if even a couple teams don't get their packages correct.
That's why for faring to faring racing, there's nothing better than World Superbikes. Like MotoGP, this season I'll be giving you my comments and editorial thoughts as the season progresses. Again I have the disclaimer that this will be an occasional column as SpeedTV coverage for WSBK is even spottier than MotoGP, we're lucky to get both races broadcasted here in the states.
I have to admit that I'm not sure what will hold my interest this season, as I've tuned in the last couple years simply to watch Bayliss race. Anyone who waw him ride in Qatar last season know what I'm talking to about - his race board was telling him to slow down! That said, this season is lining up to be one of the most exciting with the arrival of several highly touted rookies to challenge the old guard. In addition, Aprilia and BMW are joining the races - both with very experienced riders.
The preseason favorite is undoubtly Noriyuki Haga - now at Ducati. He takes the seat of Bayliss - his friend, biggest rival and arguably the reason he hasn't won the championship in the last few years. The reason Haga is a fan favorite, however, is also the reason he has yet to take the championship. His winner-take-all riding style means he crashes out of both races as ofthen as he completes the double. If Tardozzi can instill some consistency in the Japanese rider, I look for him to take the championship.
Perhaps the rider that peaks the most interest this season is the current (and three time consecutive) AMA champion Ben Spies. Despite riding for Suzuki last year and being linked to the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team, Spies is now racing for the proven factory Yamaha Italia team. Spies has looked fast all preseason despite being on tracks he's never ridden. I look for him to do well, but its a long season. Another reason I hope he does well is that it should add some legitimacy to US road racing. Josh Hayes did very well in his wild-card SuperSport appearances late last year - if Spies can do the same, perhaps we'll wee more Americans in the world racing scene. In addition to Spies and Sykes, another thing to watch is the performance of the all new Yamaha R1. The R1 features the cross-plane design first introduced in Rossi's M1 just 4 years ago.
Neukirchner will have full factory resources his year
Another rider to watch is Max Neukirchner for the Alstare Suzuki. The young German turned heads with his speed and consistency despite being on the third team rider and on a 'semi'-factory ride. He faded a bit late in the season but I look for him to do well this year with full factory support.
Other young riders to look for are Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jonathan Rea of the Hanspree Ten Kate Honda team. Standouts in BSB two years ago (finishing 1st and 2nd respectively), Kiyonari came on strong after a spectular performance at a wet Donington Park last season, while Rea took 2nd in WSS last year.
BMW's new S1000RR looks to be a good package. I think it's interesting that BMW went with a 4 cylinder despite their heritage developing twins. Troy Corser is a crafy veteran that is very good at developing bikes, but seems to lack that bit of extra needed for the top podium spot. His teammate, Ruben Xaus is hard charging and goes over the limit a bit too often, but will usually take victory once or twice a season. If the riders can find a happy medium, look for the Bravarian factory to do well with its enormous resources.
How will BMW fare?
Perhaps the bike I most look forward to seeing in action is Aprilia's RSV4. Like BMW, Aprilia is know for its twins but chose a 4 cylinder route. Unlike BMW, Aprlia went with a V4 configuration. Aprilia has a long heritage in the MotoGP 250 class, so I'll be interesting to see if they can also succeed with 4 stroke machinery. Both Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano are former GP-riders. Nakano is a good consistent rider, I belive the only rider other than Rossi to score points in every race last year.
It's a bit harder to follow WSBK as its grid is over twice that of MotoGP, but it's always good for some great racing...comments?
