This included
Toni Elias on the Alice Ducati, who produced a marvellous performance to claim second place in the Czech Republic, while
Shinya Nakano showed his capabilities on up to date machinery with fourth place.
Anthony West on the Kawasaki in fifth place completed the day for unsung heroes.
Ironically, not one of those three riders is well positioned to hold onto their rides for next season, so each will head to Misano needing to impress. Something similar to Brno should do it…
Even so, the only rider confirmed to lose their spot in 2009 is West, who is set to be ousted by
Marco Melandri at Team Green if he cannot secure a ride on a third bike. The Italian showed well at Brno, particularly in the latter stages, but whether the likelihood of his move to Kawasaki will take the pressure off or cause him to lose motivation remains to be seen…
Elsewhere,
James Toseland will be looking to haul himself inside the top ten overall again having slipped to 11th in the standings, while
Alex de Angelis heads to Misano with the ability to officially call the San Marino Grand Prix his home race. Following Nakano's performance at Brno, he will be eager to show off his occasionally fleeting competitiveness here.
In the 250cc class, Marco Simoncelli will be another home-town rider keen to build on his championship lead, which currently stands at 16 points over Mika Kallio, while Mike Di Meglio looks set to maintain his place in charge of the 125cc class, regardless of what happens this weekend.
