Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Germany) and
Yukio Kagayama (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) currently complete the top ten, with 14 points between them. Two other riders are determined to make themselves top ten men before the end of the year, however, as
Regis Laconi (PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse) is a bare three points adrift of Kagayama's current total, and 2008 factory Ducati signing
Michel Fabrizio (DFX Corse Honda) is only a point behind Laconi. Like Biaggi, Fabrizio is another local rider on a mission in front of his home support.
The middle order of the current points standings contains two former 250GP forces to be reckoned with,
Fonsi Nieto (PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse) and Jakub Smrz (Caracchi Ducati), respectively 13th and 14th in the standings. Some way back in points comes the first Alto Evolution Honda rider,
Karl Muggeridge, who has had a more than eventful year. It continues to this moment, as he is tied on points with Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha YZF Team). Muggeridge's new team-mate Yoann Tiberio, will be back for his second taste of SBK action.
Hannspree Ten Kate Honda's
Kenan Sofuoglu has already secured the World Supersport title, but behind him the battle for a top championship position is still alive.
Fabien Foret (GIL Kawasaki) hopes that his 26 point lead over third place rider Broc Parkes (Yamaha World Supersport Team) will be enough to leave him on championship runner-up status, but as Parkes has won the last two races, Foret will have to display all his riding credentials to keep himself ahead of the aggressive Australian, whom he will join in the official Yamaha squad next season.
In fourth place comes Katsuaki Fujiwara (Althea Honda) with Massimo Roccoli (Yamaha Lorenzini by Leoni) only three points behind. With no previous formbook to refer to, local knowledge may play into the hands of the Italian-based riders, as Vallelunga is an integral part of their domestic series.
After the SBK legions break camp in the hills outside Rome, a quick forced march to France will bring them to Magny-Cours for the last round of the championship on 7th October.
