Neukirchner made his WSBK debut with Klaffi Honda in 2005, taking a podium in only his second event, but was injured next time out at Valencia - didn't return to the top three - and eventually lost his seat to
MotoGP star Alex Barros at the end of the year.
After a tough time on an uncompetitive Pedercini Ducati during the first half of 2006, Neukirchner left the team and was later handed the third, non-factory, Alstare Suzuki - with which he rebuilt his reputation - before being promoted to a full works ride for this season.
Max rewarded Francis Batta's faith by taking his first WSBK pole at round three, Valencia, where he also got to within one corner of a debut victory in race one, before being taken out by
Carlos Checa.
The young German recovered from that disappointment, and a broken collarbone, by taking his first podium since 2005 next time out at Assen, then claiming his breakthrough race one Monza victory last weekend.
Neukirchner also came within 0.009secs of winning race two at the Italian circuit, just losing out to
Noriyuki Haga.
After five rounds of the 2008 world championship, Neukirchner holds fourth in standings, just one point from Haga and 83 behind title leader
Troy Bayliss.
