The Rizla Suzuki team is also in need of positive results - they had a disastrous time in the rain-lashed
Donington Park round, and then had another bad day at the office at
Thruxton. The ill-fortunes that have befallen James Haydon and former champion Shane Byrne have proved costly, and they are keen to make amends.
Dean Thomas has shown the potential of the Hawk Kawasaki and is looking to build on that, while his fellow Australian Craig Coxhell, who missed the last round with a shoulder injury, returns to the action. Another Aussie Billy McConnell will be hoping for better things also, as he lines up alongside his Virgin Mobile Yamaha team-mates Tommy Hill and Kieran Clarke.
Gary Mason and Glen Richards will be chasing positive results with their Hydrex Hondas, and keep an eye on Steve Plater who first tasted Superbike glory at this circuit, and is keen for more now on the JJL UK Diggers Honda.
Chris Martin heads the chase for the British Superbike Cup, but the York rider faces a tough test to maintain his superiority, under pressure from both the defending champion James Buckingham and the determined Marty Nutt.
Around the two Superbike races there is an action packed programme, featuring the fourth round of the British Supersport Championship, plus British 125GP, Virgin Mobile Cup - a one-make series for Yamaha R6 bikes and featuring young, upcoming riders, together the packed starting grids for both the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Championship and Cup races.
Practice and qualifying is on 29-30 April with all racing on Monday 1 May.
