The HANNspree Ten Kate Honda World Superbike and Supersport teams head to Rome this weekend (19-21 Sept) and the circuit of Vallelunga, just 40km north of the Italian capital. Although Kenan Sofuoglu won the World Supersport race for the team at the 4.1km track last year, he has never raced a superbike at Vallelunga, whilst despite testing there in July his team-mates, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Carlos Checa have never raced there at all. Kiyonari heads for Vallelunga having won three of the last four races on the WSBK calendar, the Japanese ace holding eighth place in the championship standings. Checa, meanwhile, is in fourth place and looking to climb the table after this weekend’s races. In the World Supersport championship, Andrew Pitt heads the points with a 32-point cushion over his nearest rival, and the Australian will be looking to extend that lead with just two races remaining after this weekend’s encounter at Vallelunga. His young team-mate from Northern Ireland, 21-year-old Jonathan Rea, won at Brno and Brands Hatch and was third last time out at Donington, leaving him in third place but still with a mathematical chance of snatching the title at the first attempt. Ryuichi Kiyonari CBR1000RR: At least I know the circuit at Vallelunga, because we tested there in July. I think this will be very important because I do not have to spend time learning the track. The times at the test were not fast enough, but I got a good feeling for how the CBR1000RR works there and we know which areas we need to improve to get another good result. Of course, I am feeling confident at the moment, but I know I must keep focused. I had too many crashes at Donington and made too much work for the team. I will try my best to make it easier for them this weekend! Carlos Checa CBR1000RR: Although we tested at the circuit in July, it was not such a positive feeling. It’s a bit of a Mickey Mouse circuit, but it’s the same for everyone, I guess. We had one or two tyre problems and found it a little difficult to manage the power in the slower part of the track, but it was very hot during the test. I think it will be cooler this weekend, which will hopefully help the tyres to work a little better as well. But I want to get back towards the top at Vallelunga and get some better results than I have had lately. Kenan Sofuoglu CBR1000RR: Vallelunga was good for me last year in World Supersport and I won the race there from the front row. We tested the superbike earlier this year and, for sure, it’s a very different circuit on a CBR1000RR than on the CBR600RR! The test will be important to try and get a better result, because Donington was certainly not good for me with the crash in the first race. My shoulder is getting better, though, and I have a few more days before I have to ride the bike, so it should not be a big problem. Andrew Pitt CBR600RR: The test we had at Vallelunga was OK, although there were one or two issues that we still need to get sorted. We’re pretty sure which way we need to go on those, but it was also a good opportunity for me to learn the circuit, so we have that as a positive. It’s fast in the first part and then a bit stop-start in the second half, but there’s still 25 points up for grabs. The plan is the same as every weekend, really try to get it all working right in practice and qualifying and then be at the front for the race. Jonathan Rea CBR600RR: The test in July went pretty well for me and Vallelunga actually rides better than it looks on paper or walking around it. It’s got a tight and twisty section which should provide some overtaking opportunities. I’m looking forward to doing a good job at the weekend, as the championship is hotting up and there are three riders standing up to be counted all on Hondas. I just want to fight for wins now so, with some dry track time, we’ll aim for a good base setting and hopefully be in the mix come Sunday. Ronald ten Kate – team manager: We had quite a successful test at Vallelunga, where one of the main goals was for four of our five riders to learn the circuit, which was new for them. The CBR1000RRs have developed well over the last few races, so we’re feeling positive about this weekend and looking forward to see if Kiyo can keep up his good form from Brands Hatch and Donington. The Supersport championship is really coming to the sharp end and considering the test and last year’s win for the team, we hope to stretch our lead. However, we’re not thinking about the title too much; we’ll just keep doing what we’ve done all year, which is to work and race as hard as we can.