After suffering his fourth non-score in six rounds,
Carlos Checa can't afford any more mistakes if he is to defend his World Superbike title.
The Althea Ducati star has won four of the seven races he's finished this year, which is more wins than any other rider.
But his race two tumble at Miller has left the Spaniard just fifth in the championship and 30 points behind title leader Max Biaggi, as the season reaches its halfway point at Misano this weekend.
“I was very disappointed about the race two crash at Miller, not what we needed after the race one win,” admitted Checa.
“But now I'm concentrating on Misano where I hope to make two great races in front of the Italian crowd. It will be a tough weekend but I'm confident that we can be competitive.
“We need to understand the conditions, the grip and our rivals' level but if we work hard, and avoid taking unnecessary risks, I know we can take solid results at Misano, a track that I enjoy and where you can always count on the enthusiastic support of the fans.”
Checa, who beat Biaggi to win both races at Misano last season, had closed to within 14 points of the Aprilia rider prior to his race two fall in the USA.
The riders ahead of Checa have suffered no more than one non-score, with Biaggi - who hasn't won since a single victory in the Philip Island season opener - pulling points in every race so far.