BACK TO THE RACES AT SILVERSTONE: RANKING LEADER MAX BIAGGI IS EAGER TO FORGET THE TROUBLES OF BRNO. ALSO AN IMPORTANT WEEKEND FOR EUGENE LAVERTY WHO CAN COUNT ON SUPPORT FROM HIS FANS. Noale, 1 August The World Superbike Championship is coming into the final stages with just five rounds left to decide the outcome. The next round is Silverstone, a fast and smooth track nestled in the English hills which have always been the site of spectacular races. In light of events so far, this weekend should live up to its expectations. The riders with the most points, forced to set their sights on the best possible result, will be joined in the battle for victory by the home riders, always particularly motivated by the English atmosphere. The goal for Max Biaggi, current leader in the standings, is to quickly forget his difficulties in Brno. At Silverstone Max has obtained alternating results: last year, after an unfortunate Superpole, the Corsair ended the weekend with a comeback that took him to the foot of the podium in Race 2. This weekend Max will have to aim high. “Brno left a bitter taste in my mouth – I won’t deny that. A track which has historically been friendly played a dirty trick on us, but we have to turn the page now. We have been working hard to fix the problems that slowed us down, but until the first test session we won’t have a clear idea of our situation. There are a lot of variables at Silverstone, from the weather to the home riders. We’ll have to stay focused on our goal and adapt quickly to the situation. It is a hard championship which will probably be decided in the last round. I want to be in it until the end”. One of the riders who can consider this “home turf” is Eugene Laverty, who can count on the fundamental support of his fans here. The rider from Toomebridge didn’t come away with what he had hoped for at Brno either, so he is anxious to come back and do well at Silverstone, where he rode to a spot on the podium last year. “I’m fortunate to have a second home round this season after the disappointment of Donington back in May. The Silverstone circuit has been kind to me in recent years with a victory and two runner-up finishes so I’ll be hoping for a repeat performance. We had a very strong weekend in Brno last time out up until race day where we encountered some problems but we’re on a good path at the moment. We improved my riding position on the RSV4 at a test last week at Mugello which allowed me to feel more comfortable on corner exit. My confidence is high and I believe we can continue to move up the order”.