Following a few concerns over whether this event would even go ahead, the third round of the 2009 ViSK.com British Superbike Championship continues as planned with a trip to Donington Park.
With building work at the circuit causing some ructions regarding whether it would be granted a track licence, Donington Park has warranted some unwanted press attention over the last few weeks, but many will be happy to see it maintained on the calendar.
As a host for MotoGP and World Superbikes, Donington Park's challenging curves and various undulations have played host to many classic two-wheel moments over the years.
Still, there is always room for more and this year's BSB event has a number of key factors to take into account.
First and foremost, many eyes will be on the Airwaves Yamaha team and their much talked about engine improvements. It's hard to believe that a bike, minus any testing away from a race weekend, and still in need of it's full specification engine, has won three of this year's four races.
It's certainly an ominous occurrence for its rivals, particularly as that engine finally arrives for Donington Park, where the lengthy back straight will certainly make good use of the R1's power boost.
A significant boon for new championship leader Leon Camier, the engine should also help James Ellison eye a podium – or even a win – around a circuit he has performed well on in the past, particularly his wild-card appearance in World Superbikes there last season.
Still, the competition remains fierce, not least in the Worx Crescent Suzuki camp, where Sylvain Guintoli is feeling confident about his chances. Two podiums were a rich reward for a rider who has never ridden Oulton Park at full speed before, but having competed at Donington Park in the past during his time in MotoGP, he doesn't need to waste time learning his way around the track. Probably the most level playing field between Guintoli and Camier we'll see for a while, it's a good chance to see Guintoli racing with no compromises.
Meanwhile, HM Plant and the Hydrex team are vying for the role of top Honda team, the latter having assumed the edge at Oulton Park with a double front row and a pair of second place finishes for Karl Harris.
A fine performance from Harris, particularly after what turned out to be a disappointing Brands Hatch weekend, his positive attitude and consistency certainly makes him a significant threat to break that long awaited victory duck. Few would be sad to see him achieve it at Donington Park.
