Max Neukirchner is hoping a return to Italy and Misano will bring him further good fortune as he looks to add to the maiden World Superbike victory he scored at Monza.
Although the German has not quite reached the heights of his win around the high-speed Milan circuit, one second, two thirds and a fourth place since that moment proves Neukirchner is capable of making it another win soon.
Positioning himself further into title contention, the Suzuki rider is hoping that victory will come as soon as this weekend as he bids to take the fight to the Ducatis that are expected to go well around the San Marino circuit.
"I couldn't get the win I wanted in front of my home fans last week so I will have to try and win in MIsano. For sure the factory Ducatis will be very strong there, so it would be very good to put one over them at their home track. Last year, I finished ninth and 10th in Misano but I know that I can do much better this year."
Elsewhere in the Suzuki team,
Yukio Kagayama has confirmed he will race after missing the Nurburgring round with a hand injury. Although sore, the Japanese rider insists it will not be an excuse for his performance.
"I had the plaster taken off my hand last Friday and then had it X-rayed again to check that everything was OK. Then I started my physiotherapy and began to strengthen my hand.
“It was not as bad as I expected and I feel confident that it will be OK for Misano. I am looking forward to racing there because I like the track. I was on the podium last year and I want to do the same this year."
Fonsi Nieto, meanwhile, is chasing a better performance in Superpole after a tough couple of rounds that have dropped him out of obvious contention for the title.
"The last round was not so good for me, so I have to do better in Misano. I prefer the old layout of Misano and think the circuit is not so good with this new direction.
