Former
MotoGP star
Carlos Checa will compete in front of his home fans for the first time as WSBK rider this weekend. Having taken his first WSBK podium with second place in race two at Phillip Island, the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda star is gathering momentum, while the Valencia test allowed vital development work with the new Fireblade.
With Checa currently fifth in the standings, 43 points from Bayliss, the second-highest Honda is the privateer Paul Bird Motorsport entry of Gregorio Lavilla, in tenth position. The former BSB champion has produced consistent points finishers on his world championship return, but will hope to edge nearer to the front at his home event - when he should also make his debut on the '08 Fireblade.
Lavilla currently sits just one point ahead of former BSB rival
Ryuichi Kiyonari, on the factory-backed Ten Kate machine, but the Japanese put in a confidence-boasting performance during race two at Phillip Island which he will be looking to build on this weekend.
The third Ten Kate machine of
Kenan Sofuoglu is equal on points with Kiyonari, but the reigning World Supersport had a tough time at the Valencia test as he seeks to adapt his proven Supersport style to a 1000cc machine.
Others to watch out for will be
Yukio Kagayama, set to make his return from injury this weekend, alongside team-mates Nieto and Max Neukirchner (sixth in the points), while DF Racing rider
Karl Muggeridge may be a man to watch in qualifying after turning heads by setting the one-lap pace during the Valencia test.
The factory PSG-1 Kawasaki team of
Regis Laconi (23rd in points) and
Makoto Tamada (19th) will be looking to put a torrid start to the new season behind them, while the World Supersport battle will begin with Josh Brookes four points clear of the surprising Joan Lascorz - riding in front of his home fans.
