Crash.net looks ahead to the opening round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship this week by discussing the chances of each manufacturer - first up, reigning manufacturer champions Ducati...
Yamaha could be represented by just its factory-backed team next season after the French-funded GMT 94 outfit confirmed it is concentrating on endurance racing
Ronald ten Kate has hailed his 2010 World Superbike rider line-up as a 'dream team' after securing the services of Max Neukirchhner to compete alongside Jonathan Rea.
Max Biaggi has taken Aprilia to their first victory since returning to the World Superbike Championship after capitalising on a collision between Ben Spies and Michel Fabrizio during the opening race at Brno.
Despite securing a provisional front row slot for the latest round of the World Superbike Championship at Misano, Jonathan Rea admits he isn't yet happy with the performance of his Ten Kate Honda.
Ben Spies has completed a double victory on home ground at Miller Motorsports Park to make some headway into Noriyuki Haga's substantial World Superbike Championship lead.
Shaun Whyte will join Sheridan Morais in making his World Superbike Championship debut at Kyalami after being drafted in to replace David Checa at Yamaha GMT 94.
Carlos Checa embarked on a new chapter in his career in 2008 after bidding farewell to MotoGP in favour of a top line ride in the World Superbike Championship with Ten Kate Honda.
1. Troy Bayliss AUS Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 22 laps 2. Carlos Checa ESP Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR +2.207secs 3. Troy Corser AUS Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 +6.972secs
The Spaniard gave himself plenty of work to do in both races at the historic Dutch circuit which team manager Ronald ten Kate colourfully describes as their "back garden!"
Race two at Assen proved to be harder fought up front between Haga and Bayliss but further back the battles were a little less fraught than in race one.
Making mistakes seemed to be the order of the day for many riders at Assen in the first Superbike race as most of the top men had one moment or another in the Dutch sunshine.
Haga had lost the front of his Yamaha Italia while holding fourth position early in race one, but showed no lack of faith in his R1 as he charged confidently forwards during the second outing - overtaking Troy Bayliss for the lead on lap 8 of 23.
1. Noriyuki Haga JPN Yamaha Motor Italia YZF-R1 23 laps 2. Troy Bayliss AUS Ducati Xerox 1098 F08 +1.551 3. Carlos Checa SPA Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR +2.903