A Magnificent 7 group of World Superbike riders took part in the pre-event media activity today in the historic centre of San Marino, in the build-up to this weekend’s eighth round of the championship. Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing), Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad), Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox), Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), Broc Parkes (Kawasaki World Superbike), Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki Alstare) and Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) were introduced to the San Marino and Misano World Circuit authorities in the official pre-event press conference, which was held in the offices of the Secretary of State for Sport and Tourism of the oldest Republic in the world. The 7 riders then tried their hand at crossbows before inaugurating the exhibition “San Marino Superbike Expo” in San Marino’s main square. Max Biaggi: “I’ve come to Misano with good intentions, this is the third time for me here in Superbike. It’s true that my results have been two podiums and two incidents, bitter sweet results in a way. We’ll try and do well in Sunday’s two races, I think that a podium is within our reach.” Ruben Xaus: “With at least 20 competitive bikes the championship has become really tough. I believe a lot in this project, BMW are lacking experience with the circuits and it shows. But Troy and I are doing a good job and sooner or later the results will come.” Noriyuki Haga: “I’ve never won at Misano and I don’t exactly know why! We’ll try and change things this year because Misano is a real Ducati track and I really want to win. After Miller I have been getting better with each day, my back still hurts a bit but I hope to do well this weekend.” Carlos Checa: “I prefer to forget last year’s results here, we didn’t go well because we had a lot of problems. We know that Miller was a good race for us for several reasons, here it’s a bit more difficult but we’re working to get the best set-up for the bik on the tracks that give us problems and I am sure we’ll be more competitive this weekend.” Broc Parkes: “Last year I had pole position in Supersport but crashed in the race. I’ve always had pretty good results here so I’m looking forward to this weekend. The last three races I’ve been injured after a big crash and am now at 95%, working with a physio to get my body back to normal. The bike’s getting better every race and we’ve got a lot of new stuff to try so fingers crossed for the weekend in the top 10.” Yukio Kagayama: “My leg is still painful after my crash at Salt Lake City, a bone fracture, but I’m going to race this weekend, as I did in America. This year is not easy for Suzuki Alastare, Max Neukirchner also has an injury but is getting better all the time. But I will try my best this weekend.” Ben Spies: “My only experience of this track has been with videogames, but I wasn’t very happy because I ran off the track a couple of times! Miller was a special weekend for me and it was one of the weekends when everything went well. This place is a bit different, Ducati has a good record here. We need to have another special weekend here but it doesn’t help that we don’t know the track. We can try and do what we can and claw back some more points. It’ll be tough.” About the Misano World Circuit The 4.226 km Misano World Circuit is located close to the seaside resort town of Misano Adriatico in the province of Rimini. Misano has been a regular fixture on the World Superbike calendar since 1991, and a round has been held there every year, with the exception of 1992. The circuit appears to be particularly conducive to double winners, with 11 of the 17 events producing wins for the same rider. Lap records: Race Troy Corser (Yamaha) 1’37.580 (2008); Best lap Troy Corser (Yamaha) 1’35.993 (2008). The San Marino Round of the HANNspree FIM Superbike World Championship takes place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June. The action starts on Friday at 12.45 with World Superbike free practice and qualifying in the afternoon, followed by Superpole on Saturday at 15.00. The two 24-lap (101.424 km) Superbike races are scheduled to run on Sunday at 12.00 and 15.30, with the 22-lap (97.972 km) Supersport race in between at 13.25 local time.