It is impossible for most riders to approach Monza without at least a nod towards the emotions that racing on such a historic and speed-obsessed circuit brings to the surface. But for two of the top few, it means even more to their teams than it does to themselves: Yamaha Motor Italia is based only a fast highside away from the Lesmo corners at Monza, and they more than any other team can consider Monza as a true home race. Their riders,
Noriyuki Haga and
Troy Corser, are currently third and fifth respectively, and each is more than capable of a race win or two on the fast new Yamaha R1.
The other home team is, of course, Ducati - whose reigning champion
Troy Bayliss has had a somewhat disturbed start to his latest title defence, but at Assen last time out he proved to be right back to form; stalking then mugging Toseland on the line in race two to help secure a fourth overall in the championship chase.
Last year's champion, injured at
Donington Park, loves the Monza layout as does his aerodynamically sound Ducati and, of all the riders currently chasing Toseland, he is the one who appears to have the strongest tailwind of motivation at present.
Unless you count the resurgent
Ruben Xaus who has taken his 2006 factory spec Ducati to a win already this year. Despite a fall at Assen big Ruben is sixth overall, one slender point ahead off Lanzi's official machine. Xaus came close to winning the championship in 2003, and is keen to get back into a position to challenge for top honours again.
Meanwhile, there is more than one impressive rider called Max in Suzuki colours this year, as Max Neukirchner has been making a more than sound job of keeping a year old privateer Suzuki competitive - not just against the top privateers, but blooding the noses of many riders on even better equipment. Currently in the top eight, he should find his Suzuki fast enough to compete at Monza.
