In the World Supersport Championship, Hannspree Ten Kate Honda's Andrew Pitt threw away a first opportunity of becoming World Supersport champion for the second time with a rash inside move on Eugene Laverty at Vallelunga.

Pitt can still win the title this weekend, but it all depends on team-mate Jonathan Rea, who won his third race of the year in Italy and who has reduced the gap to 11 points. The youngster from Northern Ireland is truly emerging in Supersport and is moving up to World Superbike next year, but before that he will be aiming to take the title from his team-mate.

Two more Australians, Josh Brookes (Hannspree Stiggy Motorsport Honda) and Broc Parkes (Yamaha World Supersport) are battling it out for third place, ahead of early-season pacesetter Joan Lascorz (Glaner Motocard.com Honda), who has resurfaced in the last couple of races after a difficult mid-year run.

Fabien Foret, who has been out with injury since Brno, makes his return to the Yamaha World Supersport team for his home race.