The Santamonica Circuit at Misano Adriatico is a perennial favourite on the World Superbike calendar, the seaside venue offering a holiday atmosphere to both fans and teams alike - away from the intensity of competition at the racetrack at least.
The San Marino round takes place in its traditional mid-summer slot once more, with high expectations of seasonal sunshine blessing the 4.060km circuit throughout race weekend.
Misano offers a wide contrast of corners over its relatively short 4km length, with the triple lefts leading onto the back straight posing a unique challenge for all riders, and juxtaposed with long hairpins at Tramonto, Curva de Rio and Curva del Carro. Races have been won and lost on the approach and exit of the final chicane, the Variante del Parco, and the exceptionally high track temperatures mean the left hand side of the tyres will undergo a severe workout over full race distance. One of the toughest challenges of the year; one of the most enjoyable for the fans.
Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) is the man for the rest of the 28 regular SBK competitors and three wildcards to beat, sitting as he does with a clear lead over his peers after five rounds and ten races. Having won seven in-a-row so far, Bayliss returns to another of his team's home tracks with expectations of more wins, but right behind him are two riders who have already beaten him this season, and another who is capable of beating anyone on his day.
