Disqualifications, Imola, new riders and Portuguese success At the end of the Nurburgring race we were all on top of the world when Eugene won from the improving Gino Rea with Kenan Sofuoglu third. This meant we could win the Championship by four points if we won the last two races even if Kenan finished second in each of the races at Imola and Magny Cours. Our joy at this was quite short lived when the normal post race inspections showed that Gino Rea’s team had fitted an illegal braking strategy to their bike and he was disqualified. So it’s back to square one in a way as we still need to win the last two races and once again if we do we still need another rider to get between Eugene and Kenan for us to win the title. Having won seven out of 11 races we have of course more or less clinched the constructor’s championship single handed for Honda. Well done to all of the Parkalgar Honda team once again for this achievement. Looking ahead to Imola, Chaz Davies although disappointing at Nurburgring went well at Imola last year and we will be looking to him as the most likely man to give us a hand in our championship bid. Broc Parkes on his second ride on the Kawasaki in place of the injured Lascorz could also be one who could challenge Kenan unwittingly on our behalf. After his strong performance at Nurburgring chasing Eugene all the way to the flag I would like to think Gino Rea could also be in the fight. The big question here will be how good is his package without the system he ran at Nurburgring? Fingers crossed he can still be in the hunt, although I have to admit I have my doubts. With Eugene having been confirmed in Superbike next year we are as you all know looking for a rider to replace him and lead our team for a Championship challenge in 2011. We have spoken with a number of riders and are looking to make a decision before the race at Imola. Watch this space as we will make an announcement quite soon after the Imola race. Whilst some may be surprised by our rider selection we are looking forward with confidence to 2011 and challenging for the World Championship. Miguel goes into the last two rounds just a handful of points behind eighth placed Pirro in the Championship. He got three points after remounting at Nurburgring when he crashed at turn one. That showed the fighting spirit he needs to push on and get two strong results at Imola and Magny Cours and achieve what will be an outstanding year for him in our team. He has the chance to finish inside the top 10 overall and become the first Portuguese racer to do this. Good luck Miguel!