From a press release issued by series organizers:

Klaffi prepares for final push

Klaus Klaffenböck and passenger Christian Parzer must win the final race of the season at Magny-Cours, France to stand any hope of snatching the title from rivals, Steve Webster and Paul Woodhead.

The Austrian duo, however, remain realistic about their chances. “We have a slim chance but we need to sort out some of the engine problems we’ve had in the last two races,” said the vastly experienced Klaffenböck.

The 2001 World champions led the championship race for four rounds following their sole win at Monza, Italy in round two and have since been the epitome of consistency with a further seven podium placements.

“Anyway, we’ll certainly try hard,” added Klaffenböck who has notched up 16 race wins at world level in a career spanning six years.

The Yamaha R1 machine with an LCR chassis, run by the two Austrians from the town of Wels, has also proved extremely reliable: they remain one of only two teams to score points at every round of the series. [Mike Roscher and Adolf Hänni the other team to hold the distinction]



More, from another press release issued by series organizers:

Webster – “Taking nothing for granted”

Steve Webster and passenger Paul Woodhead head to the final round of the 2003 Superside World championship at Magny-Cours, France needing only one point to secure the title.

Webster, gunning for a record ninth world title, remains careful to err on the side of caution. “We are not taking anything for granted,” said the affable Yorkshireman. “It has happened before in the past with Rolf Biland only requiring one point from the final round – and he lost out.”

Klaus Klaffenböck and Christian Parzer are the only ones who can spoil the party but the experienced Austrians, who are 24 points adrift of their British counterparts, know that they must win the race to stand any chance whatsoever.

Webster and Woodhead have been the dominant force in 2003, having won six of the nine races so far. They will also be looking to maintain their amazing qualifying record: nine out of nine pole positions so far.

Should they succeed at the French circuit – a 15th place finish will do the trick – it will be the British partnership’s second world title, to add to their triumph in 2000.


More, from yet another press release issued by series organizers:

Steini targets hat-trick of wins

Jörg Steinhausen and Trevor Hopkinson are aiming to continue their fine end-of-season form and sign off the 2003 campaign with a third win.

The German-British pairing have enjoyed mixed fortunes with two non-finishes matched symmetrically by two comprehensive wins on the Italian peninsula, at Misano Adriatico and Imola.

“We felt the pressure but rode hard and were very pleased to win the race,” said Steinhausen after his Imola victory. “We will be looking for another win in the final round at Magny-Cours.”

The win was made even more special by the fact that the duo had to make a mad dash to Germany to compete in the national championship – which they won – despite lining up 18th on the grid at Hockenheim.

Steinhausen and Hopkinson may not be able to improve on their third place in the overall standings, but the 2002 runners-up will not hold back in their quest to clinch their third win of the season at the fast 4.411km/2.757-mile circuit located near the town of Nevers.



Yet another press release from series organizers:

Abbott on the victory trail

Reigning world champions, Steve Abbott and Jamie Biggs, are looking to end the season on a high and record their first win of the 2003 season.

The 2003 season has not been so rich in success although the British outfit have been on the podium three times with a best-placed second in the opening round at Valencia, Spain.

Winning remains the priority for Abbott and Biggs and the duo will endeavour to record a victory, to add to the three race wins achieved en route to the 2002 world title.

The Eastern Airways-backed outfit will have their work cut to defend fourth place in the overall rankings. Fellow Brits, Tom Hanks and Phil Biggs [Jamie’s brother] along with the Dutch father and son pairing, Martien and Tonnie van Gils, are hot on their heels with only four points separating the three teams.

Last year’s crowning moment will always remain special. “It was great to win the title after so many years,” said Abbott, who will relinquish the number one plate. “The way in which we did it, at Imola last year, was as exciting as it gets and it will live in everyone’s memory forever.”


Still another press release issued by series organizers:

Hanks looks for French repeat

Tom Hanks and passenger Phil Biggs have already tasted success at the Magny-Cours circuit in France – venue for the final Superside World championship round of the year.

The British duo, who currently lie fifth in the overall standings, recorded an impressive victory in the French championship round at the same circuit at the end of August.

“We learnt the track and found out where our weak spots are, so that is all that is left to sort out when we come back,” commented Hanks, who will be looking for that elusive first win of the season.

Hanks and Biggs narrowly missed out on the top rung of the rostrum in the sweltering heat at Misano, Italy in June where they finished only 0.422s behind winners, Jörg Steinhausen and Trevor Hopkinson.

The Halton Fabrications team will be focusing on clawing back the two points which separate them from Steve Abbott and Jamie Biggs, holders of fourth place overall. Will the summer testing at Magny-Cours pay off?