It is only apt that the former airfield circuit of Silverstone will have its weekend on-track action publicised by an aerobatic display at nearby Sywell Aerodrome on the Thursday proceeding race weekend proper. It is also particularly fitting as a British rider, Hannspree Ten Kate Honda’s
James Toseland, arrives in his native land as the high-flying championship leader once more.
Despite leaving Monza without a win two weeks ago, the first round he has not been victorious at since he started his 2007 campaign, Toseland has nonetheless extended his championship lead still further. He is now 35 points ahead of his nearest challenger. Toseland knows what it is like to win at
Silverstone, having taken race two in 2005, but he will be fighting the recent formbook at the 3.561km circuit. The last four wins have been scored by riders on factory 999 Ducatis. Toseland has already won a race in the UK, taking the first race victory at
Donington.
Toseland may have been the convincing force since the start of the season, but after a dominant Monza weekend for
Noriyuki Haga on the Yamaha Motor Italia Toseland has a new rider and machine threat to concentrate on more closely. Haga's double win displaced Max Biaggi on the Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra from overall second (albeit by only three points) making the Silverstone tussle between the Yamaha and Suzuki riders a battle to be enjoyed in itself.
Troy Bayliss aboard the Ducati Xerox is the fourth serious threat to Toseland's championship lead at the halfway point of the season, having put a gap of 29 point between himself and the frequently luckless SBK champion of 2005,
Troy Corser on the second Yamaha Motor Italia.
Nonetheless, Bayliss has work to do it catch up with the fight for second, never mind the attack on Toseland's lead, but his recent form at Silverstone and the circuit's tight and twisty nature make it an ideal spot to pull back points in partnership with the flickable and torquey Ducati 999F07.
