If the slipstreaming battles of Monza are something special then Hockenheim can be out of this world. The track itself may lack character and provide little challenge for the riders, but the spectacle it provides is something else.
Honda’s
Colin Edwards clearly had the bike to beat at Monza a fortnight ago and is likely to be the man to beat once again at the German circuit. The VTR1000 excels on power circuit’s and none is more powerful than Hockenheim. On this occasion Aaron Slight on the second Honda should provide a closer challenge to the Texan as his fitness improves every time he gets on a bike. The New Zealander suffered greatly in the heat of Monza but temperatures in Germany are likely to be far more tolerable.
Edwards has already won three events this year and holds a clear lead over
Noriyuki Haga and Pierfranceso Chili in the championship. Haga will be hoping that a few minor engine modifications on his Yamaha will provide him with an extra boost on a track where the team is expected to struggle. Haga lost his championship lead during the course of the Monza weekend and desperately needs a good result to take some pressure off his back.
Chili wrung the neck of his Suzuki around Monza to provide Edwards’ only real opposition, stealing the win in race one at the famous track. The Italian is now just behind Haga in the championship and has his best chance ever of clinching the World Superbike title. Chili won here last year and knows the bike is capable of challenging the Honda. It will take another extra special effort from the flamboyant Chili if he is to challenge the Honda’s though.
