Although his season didn't take a sudden turn for the worse, Neukirchner's comparative lack of experience and Suzuki's hesitance at maintaining the rapid rate of development enjoyed by rivals Yamaha and Honda meant he didn't end the season quite how he started it.

Neukirchner actually held down third place in the championship until the final four races, although a retirement at the final round would eventually cost him fourth in the standings too.

Even so, what Neukirchner lacked in experience in 2008, he made up for with raw talent. Since experience is nurtured and raw talent is nature, Neukirchner is destined for big things at Superbike level.

It is little surprise then that Suzuki re-signed Neukirchner as soon as they realised this mid-season…

4th – Max Neukirchner
5th – Ryuichi Kiyonari
6th – Ruben Xaus
7th – Carlos Checa
8th – Max Biaggi
9th – Jakub Smrz
10th – Michel Fabrizio

Tomorrow: We reach the top three in your WSBK Rider of the Year poll?