Away from the likely suspects, British eyes will undoubtedly be on the five wild-card entrants of Tom Sykes, Cal Crutchlow, Leon Haslam, James Ellison and Gary Johnson, not to mention Vent-Axia rider Chris Walker.
For Sykes, it is a second appearance on the world stage after a hugely successful outing at Brands Hatch that has been duly rewarded with a second attempt at
Donington Park. He will be joined by Ellison, riding the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda, while Crutchlow and Haslam lead the factory-backed HM Plant team for their first outing this year. Meanwhile, TT racer Johnson will race a Honda this weekend too.
Beyond the obvious festivities, thoughts will also be centred on Craig Jones. The first event to be held since his tragic death at
Brands Hatch, tributes are planned throughout the weekend to honour the fallen rider.
Meanwhile, in the World Supersport Championship, Jonathan Rea will look to make it three wins in a row on home ground, while there will also plenty of attention for Eugene Laverty, riding the Yamaha for the first time this weekend, as well as a number of wild-card riders.
