FUJIWARA BATTLES PAIN IN FRANCE Winston Ten Kate Honda’s Katsuaki Fujiwara qualified on the provisional second row of the grid in this afternoon’s opening qualifying session for Sunday’s final World Supersport championship race at Magny-Cours. The Japanese rider is still in considerable pain from the broken finger he sustained in last week’s heavy crash at Imola in Italy. Qualifying was headed by fellow Honda rider, Michel Fabrizio, as Fujiwara’s substitute Winston team-mate, Arie Vos, set the ninth fastest time at the 4.4km Magny-Cours circuit. The 29-year-old Dutch rider is standing in for 2005 World Supersport champion, Sébastien Charpentier, who is missing the Magny-Cours event through injury. Ronald ten Kate team manager: “Today with Kats it was just a case of getting him back into the groove after his big crash at Imola last Friday. It seems the speed is there already as he’s not that far away from the front row but his left hand is still giving him some pain. He’s being strong though, and I’m sure we can help him improve tomorrow to take a front row place on the grid for Sunday. I’m impressed with the performance of our own Flying Dutchman, Arie Vos. He quickly got over the initial ‘wow factor’ of joining the Ten Kate team and got on with the job this afternoon. He’s really not far away from the top five riders and we’ll keep trying to get everything right for him and help him get more used to the bike tomorrow. We asked Sébastien to give Arie some help and advice and he’s taking the job very seriously. Even though he’s not riding, he still wants to influence his side of the box! We don’t want to put any pressure on Arie, but I think with Sébastien’s help he could be the surprise of the weekend.” Katsuaki Fujiwara seventh fastest, 1m45.099s “My left hand is very sore and painful and it makes riding the bike very tiring. All I want to do now is go back to my motorhome and sleep! I’ll put some ice on the hand and keep it loose and hopefully we can improve the qualifying position tomorrow. I tried very hard in the last ten minutes of the session to improve my lap time but there were lots of riders crashing and yellow flags everywhere. I didn’t want to push too hard and risk crashing as well because that would just make the injury worse.” Arie Vos ninth fastest, 1m45.378s “Well, I’m certainly enjoying myself and the only problem out there is me, because the bike is perfect. I’m still learning my way around here and, looking at the sector times, it’s clear I have a problem with sector two. The first and third sectors are no problem because I’m only a couple of tenths off the fastest guys, but sector two drops me down a long way. Sébastien has been really helpful and I rode around here on a scooter with him yesterday. He knows where the problems are because he knows Magny-Cours so well and he’s very fast around here. I’ll go out with him again later and study his advice tonight but I’m looking forward to tomorrow already.” World Supersport, Magny-Cours provisional qualifying times: 1 Michel Fabrizio ITA (Honda) 1m44.113s, 2 Kevin Curtain AUS (Yamaha) 1:44.177, 3 Fabien Foret FRA (Honda) 1:44.311, 4 Broc Parkes AUS (Yamaha) 1:44.770, 5 Javier Fores ESP (Suzuki) 1:45.027, 6 Gianluca Nannelli ITA (Ducati) 1:45.079, 7 Katsuaki Fujiwara JPN (Winston Ten Kate Honda) 1:45.099, 8 Stephane Chambon FRA (Honda) 1:45.327, 9 Arie Vos (Winston Ten Kate Honda) 1:45.378, 10 Johan Stigefelt SWE (Honda) 1:45.454. More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing: Curtain and Parkes on the pace in Magny cours Yamaha Motor Germany’s Kevin Curtain overcame a low speed fall to record the second fastest time of the opening day at Magny Cours, with his team-mate Broc Parkes also in a provisional front row grid position, having set the fourth quickest overall time. The usual close competition in supersport saw the top three riders covered by only 0.198 seconds, at a track which exhibited two different characters and varying levels of grip. Misty morning conditions gave way to slightly improved afternoon weather, but the track surface proved to have better grip characteristics in the earlier, and untimed, session. Curtain was fastest man in the unofficial opening exchanges, Parkes fourth. Kevin Curtain “Things feel really good and the conditions were even better this morning than the afternoon, when the heat started to come out a little bit. We are testing a new Pirelli tyre here as well, so we spent some time trying that out. There were a lot of crashes in the afternoon session, one rider even fell twice! We tried something different with the suspension in the timed session but it didn’t suit the bike, and I had a little crash. It was just a small front ender. I ran back to the pits, jumped on the spare bike and got myself up to second position.” Broc Parkes “Things are really good today and I went faster than my Friday time from last year. You can’t ask for too much more than that. I did almost the whole session on one tyre and only changed it near the end, when I went to set a faster lap time. I went out and in the first two section times I was fastest then hit some traffic. So my time would have been better with a clear track. The main thing is we are competitive and can go even faster.”

Three-time AMA Champion Kurtis Roberts, 26, will race a 2004-spec Team Roberts Proton V5 racebike on Michelin tires at the final round of the 2005 MotoGP World Championship at Valencia, in Spain, according to a creditable source. Team Roberts started the 2005 season with Shane Byrne riding a Proton-sponsored, KTM-powered racebike on Michelins, but KTM pulled its support from the program mid-season, which included Byrne (who was contracted to and paid by KTM), its V4 engines and financial backing. At Brno, the round immediately following KTM’s abandonment of the effort, Team Roberts entered Jeremy McWilliams on a 2004-spec, V5-powered machine but did not race in the recent flyaway rounds in Japan and Malaysia. Team Roberts must continue to field MotoGP entries in order to retain rights to its spot on the MotoGP grid. The source Roadracingworld.com spoke with indicated that Kurtis Roberts’ involvement in the Valencia Grand Prix is mainly to prepare him for a post-Grand Prix test at Valencia with another team. Kurtis Roberts is the son of Team Roberts owner Kenny Leroy Roberts and younger brother of Team Suzuki MotoGP racer Kenny Lee Roberts.

AMA PRO RACING EXPLORING CHANGES TO FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP PICKERINGTON, Ohio AMA Pro Racing, responding to published reports, confirmed today that it is considering significant changes to the AMA Flat Track Championship and has been conducting meetings with series stakeholders to determine the feasibility of such a plan. Meetings with the AMA Flat Track Advisory Board, riders, series sponsors, tracks, promoters and manufacturers, among others, have been ongoing and additional meetings are planned. According to AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth, the objectives are to strengthen the championship and increase value to all participants. “We believe that flat track racing is not achieving the kind of success that it’s capable of,” said Hollingsworth. “The point of this exercise is to conduct an open-minded, meaningful dialogue with the flat track community to arrive at a workable alternative to the current situation, which, in all candor, is not living up to its potential or meeting our objectives.” The most significant feature of the new direction is the implementation of a new, separate series based on single-cylinder machinery. The inclusion of this class would allow more OEMs to participate in AMA Flat Track with the opportunity of winning a championship. Currently, winning a championship requires the use of twin-cylinder engines, automatically excluding several major manufacturers who don’t offer such equipment. Under the plan, the AMA Flat Track Championship would consist of two series, one based on twin-cylinder equipment and the other based on single-cylinder machines. Essentially, the twins would run on mile and half-mile tracks while the singles would be used on short track, TT courses and selected half-miles. Each championship would hold stand alone events with certain events being combined. Scheduling would enable participants to contest both series. Testing to determine the suitability of twins on certain short tracks and TT courses will also be done. Ideally, 10-12 races per championship would be held. According to Hollingsworth, the plan accomplishes many objectives the most important of which is recognizing the changing motorcycle product landscape. “All of the major manufacturers offer a 450cc motocross bike which will form the basis of the singles class. This added class provides manufacturers with another means to market these products through racing as well as giving racers an expanded range of race bikes from which to choose. At the same time, we will continue to showcase twins because of their importance and devoted fan base.” Hollingsworth acknowledged the role of twins in AMA Grand National Championship racing. “AMA Flat Track has a tremendous legacy and history that we must honor and twins are at the foundation of that heritage,” said Hollingsworth. “At the same time, for the sport to thrive and prosper we must expand the opportunities that lead to increased participation and involvement. We believe the plan under consideration addresses each of these needs.” Enabling track owners and promoters the opportunity to hold higher profile events is also at the core of the plan. AMA Pro Racing believes that stronger OEM involvement, including an expanded brand presence and improved fan interaction will give promoters a better ability to market and expose flat track racing. “A stronger overall series is in the best interest of everyone,” stated Hollingsworth. “The riders benefit first and foremost but so do the promoters, tracks, OEMS and, ultimately, fans.” AMA Pro Racing hopes to conclude the discussion period within the next 30 days with a 2006 racing season roll-out anticipated. More information will be released as it is finalized. About AMA Pro Racing AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the THQ AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Motocross Championship, the AMA Superbike Championship, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

TOSELAND AND LACONI (DUCATI XEROX TEAM) LINE UP FOR WORLD SUPERBIKE FINALE AT MAGNY-COURS Magny-Cours (France), Thursday 6 October: The 2005 World Superbike Championship draws to a close at the Magny-Cours circuit in central France this weekend. Following last weekend’s washout at Imola, which handed the title automatically to Troy Corser (Suzuki) and the runner-up slot to Chris Vermeulen (Honda), Ducati Xerox Team riders James Toseland and Régis Laconi have Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha) in their sights as they aim to make up the gap to third place. Ducati Corse Superbike technical director Ernesto Marinelli explains the sort of set-up required for the 4.411 km circuit. “Magny-Cours is the sort of track where you may need fog lights on the bike during the morning practice sessions!” joked Marinelli. “Seriously speaking though, we shouldn’t have any particular problems here. You need a neutral set-up because the track is normal and doesn’t have any major set-up difficulties like Imola or Laguna Seca. There are several short radius curves and quick curves. The baseline set-up always goes well here, the only problem could be the gear ratios. Due to the layout of the track and the distances between one curve and the next one, the ratios are never quite exact and you have to work to get the best compromise. Either the first gear is too long or second gear is too short. The track also tends to be damp and covered with fog in the morning so this could create a few grip problems”. James Toseland, whose 25th birthday was on Wednesday, lies 27 points adrift of Haga in the race for third place but lost some points to his Japanese rival at Imola. “I have some good memories from this track from last year so I’ll be looking to go well again” declared Toseland. “I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t do the second race at Imola because I could have gained some points on Haga and made it easier for myself to get the third place. Now I just want to finish the season on a high really, it’s been a long hard struggle back to form and despite the results I feel I’ve been riding well recently. I never used to like the Magny-Cours track but as soon as I started going well, I’ve always looked forward to coming here. You’ve got such tight corners and such heavy braking for that hairpin that you need a compromise with the feeling for the corners and also with the support on the suspension for the braking”. Régis Laconi returns to France for the final round of the year with one aim only, to finish the 2005 championship with further wins to add to his three this season. “My arm feels a bit better than at Imola but I think I’ll need at least a couple more weeks before it’s back to normal”, said Laconi. “It didn’t bother me too much last weekend, let’s hope it’s the same here because there are more right-hand curves at this track. I want to finish the championship with two good results at my home circuit. I like it a lot but unfortunately I just haven’t had many good results here. The most difficult part are the hairpins, but me and my engineers have been working on the right ratios so we should go well. It’s going to be difficult to get third place, so the most important thing for me is to win the races, the rest doesn’t count anymore. For sure I won three races this year but I also scored zero points on numerous occasions; that’s the story of my season and that’s why I want to finish off the championship with a couple of wins”. CIRCUIT INFO: The Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours circuit has hosted a round of the World Superbike championship on three previous occasions, in 1991 and for the last two years. Ducati riders have won every race so far, with two wins going to Polen in 1991 and one each to Hodgson, Xaus, Toseland and Haga. The circuit itself measures 4.411 km and has a finish-line length of just 250 metres. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS (after 11 of 12 rounds) : Riders – 1. Corser 409 (Suzuki – 2005 champion); 2. Vermeulen (Honda) 354; 3. Haga (Yamaha) 255; 4. Toseland (Ducati Xerox) 228; 5. Laconi (Ducati Xerox) 221; 6. Kagayama (Suzuki) 212. Manufacturers – 1. Suzuki 428; 2. Honda 370; 3. Ducati 344; 4. Yamaha 296; 5. Kawasaki 163; 6. Petronas 48. STATISTICS: Lap record: Hodgson (Ducati) 1m41.219s (2003). Qualifying record: Xaus (Ducati) 1m41.030s (2003). Superpole: Toseland (Ducati) 1m40.965s (2003). Race distance: 2 x 23 laps/101.453 km. 2004 RESULTS: Race 1 – 1. Toseland (Ducati); 2. Haga (Ducati); 3. Laconi (Ducati). Race 2 – 1. Haga; 2. Toseland; 3. Laconi. TV COVERAGE: Eurosport (Europe) – Sunday 9 October, 12.00 Race 1 (live), 15.30 Race 2 (live). La7 (Italy) – Saturday 8 October, 17.00 Superpole (delayed); Sunday 9 October, 14.00 Race 1 (delayed), 15.30 Race 2 (live).

World Superbike Champion Troy Corser is looking to end the season with two wins at this weekend’s 12th and final round at Magny Cours in France. The Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider, who claimed his second title and Suzuki’s first World Superbike Championship last weekend in Imola, lines up alongside team mate Yukio Kagayama with the aim of going out in style. Both riders were happy when they tested there recently and Kagayama, for once, will not be seeing a circuit for the first time on a Friday practice. The circuit was originally built to stage an F1 race and this will be the third year in a row that the track has hosted a World Superbike event. Last year saw a dramatic end to the season when Briton James Toseland snatched the title from his team mate and local favourite Regis Laconi in the final race. Troy Corser: “It was great to take the title last weekend and not have to worry about waiting until Magny-Cours to do it. It is a shame that the second race was cancelled in Imola but the conditions were far too dangerous to race. We had a little celebration on Sunday night with the whole team, but we’ll be saving the proper party for Sunday night at Magny-Cours. Before that though, we’ve got some business to attend to. I feel very good about Magny-Cours and I will be aiming to finish the season in style with a couple of wins. I was very happy when we tested there so we’ll be starting the weekend with lots of information and ready to race. Two wins would be good, though I suppose I could share the wins with Yukio and end the season as we started in Qatar.” Yukio Kagayama: “Firstly I’d like to congratulate Troy-san for the title. It’s important for him, our team and also Suzuki. I don’t think Suzuki have realised this achievement yet, because the season is not over. I am happy to go to Magny-Cours because I have tested there and so it will not be yet another new circuit for me to learn. Imola was a disappointment for me but I hope to make a good show at Magny-Cours and end with a couple of podiums – and maybe a win.” 2004 Results: Troy Corser (Petronas) – Race 1: DNF, Race 2: 7th. Yukio Kagayama – DNS.

CHAMPION CHARPENTIER TO MISS FINAL ROUND Winston Ten Kate Honda’s 2005 World Supersport champion, Sébastien Charpentier, has been forced out of the final round of the series. The 32-year-old French rider sustained injuries to his left clavicle in a practice crash last Saturday during the eleventh round at Imola in Italy. Charpentier visited a specialist in Paris earlier this week and was advised not to ride this weekend at the final round in Magny-Cours. After consultation with team-manager, Ronald ten Kate, Charpentier has reluctantly agreed with his decision. For the Magny-Cours event, the team has been able to call up a last minute replacement from Holland Arie Vos. The 29-year-old from Oss, near Eindhoven, finished second in this season’s Dutch Supersport championship and has raced in four World Supersport races this year, finishing seventh in last Sunday’s eleventh round race at Imola. Ronald ten Kate team-manager: “Sébastien’s motivation to ride this weekend was almost overwhelming. He’s been looking forward to racing at Magny-Cours all season and was expecting enormous support here from friends, family and well-wishers all wanting to celebrate his fantastic World Supersport championship win. He has the title and, for now, we must focus on our testing programme for the 2006 season, which kicks off in about five weeks. I feel very sorry for him because I know how much this weekend means to him and, after his amazing season of nine pole positions, six wins and three second places, it was a difficult decision to make.” Sébastien Charpentier 2005 World Supersport Champion “Anyone who knows me knows how disappointed I am and Ronald has said everything, really. I love this track, I love racing in my home country of France and there is a lot of support for me here at Magny-Cours this weekend. But the injury is worse than we thought last Sunday and it’s just not worth the risk of ruining the tests for the beginning of next season. When we came to test here earlier in the year I was able to do a lap time of 1m43.2s so I was feeling very confident of finishing the season with a very good result. But it has already been a fantastic season and to win the championship at the team’s home race in Assen was a very special moment for me and all the team. I can only add that I’m sorry for everyone who wanted to see me race at Magny-Cours this weekend.” More, from another press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: Arie Vos There aren’t many racers who find their way into the sport through remote control but Arie Vos is one of them. The 29-year-old was Dutch remote control racing champion in 1995 and 1996 and also competed at European and world championship level complete with his own engine and suspension mechanics. In 1997, a friend suggested that he should try racing for real so the then 21-year-old took up scooter racing because it was the cheapest way to get into motorsport. A successful debut season, with fourth place in the Dutch championship, convinced Vos that a step-up to Supersport racing would be a good idea. However, a national season with one dry race and a great deal more crashes left Vos disillusioned and he didn’t race at all in 1999. But an offer to run a Polini scooter back in the Dutch national championship was too good to refuse. It was a good move back to two wheels because Vos finished that season as runner-up and took the title in 2001. For the following season, he opted for a more progressive route back to Supersport racing, competing in the Dutch 125cc championship and finishing ninth, despite numerous breakdowns. Another step up in 2003 saw Vos contest on a Yamaha in the Dutch 250cc championship in which he finished third the same position that he achieved on a semi-official Kawasaki in the Dutch Supersport championship in 2004 with a best finish of second. This season has been one of ups and downs, however, as Vos started the Dutch championship with Yamaha Netherlands and took part as a wildcard at the World Supersport events in Misano, Brno and Brands Hatch. However, a string of poor results led to Vos and Yamaha splitting and the Dutchman buying one of the famous Ten Kate Honda CBR600RRs to salvage something from the season. This he achieved, taking his first Supersport win in the final round of the Dutch championship at Assen. Setting the fastest ever Supersport lap on Assen’s short circuit, the result leapfrogged him from fourth to second place in the final championship standings. “It was a good finish to a bad season,” says Vos. “We were on a tight budget and seventh place in the last World Supersport round at Imola was a good way to end it.” Until the eleventh hour call from Winston Ten Kate Honda to replace the injured Sébastien Charpentier at the final round in Magny-Cours. “It was just a dream come true,” he beams. “I bought the Ten Kate race bike because I wanted to have some fun again. But I was also able to fight for race wins as well. Now I want to have some more fun at Magny-Cours both on the track and with the team. “I don’t know the track here,” he adds, “but it was the same at Imola so I’d like to aim for a top ten finish on Sunday and anything else will be a bonus. There is no pressure from the team, only from me, so I’m planning to enjoy myself.” ARIE VOS Date of birth 12 February 1976 Place of birth Oss, Netherlands Home town Oss, Netherlands Status Lives with girlfried Ursula Height/weight 1.82m/68kg Hobbies Running and mountain biking First race 1998, Dutch Supersport championship First win 2005, Assen Dutch Supersport championship Helmet Suomy Leathers MQP Boots Alpinestars Race number 81 Career highlights: 1997 Dutch Scooter championship final position 4th 1998 Dutch Supersport championship final position 20th 1999 Did not race 2000 Dutch Scooter championship final position 2nd 2001 Dutch Scooter championship final position 1st 2002 Dutch 125cc championship final position 9th 2003 Dutch 250cc championship final position 3rd 2004 Dutch Supersport championship final position 3rd 2005 Dutch Supersport championship final position 2nd

HONDA’S GOLDEN SUPERSPORT SEASON APPROACHES FINAL ROUND The final weekend of an amazing World Supersport season for new champion Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) takes place on his home soil, but after a crash in the previous round at Imola, his latest battle is to be race fit to perform at his very best. Having tweaked tendons in his left shoulder, severely enough to prevent him from riding at the previous round in Italy, Charpentier is nonetheless determined to race in France, if humanly possible. Charpentier has been a phenomenon in his winning season, taking ten poles and six race wins so far, earning the championship itself with three rounds to go. The final third of his season has offered no greater collection of points so far, yet he is still some 43 points ahead of confirmed second place rider, Kevin Curtain. Behind Curtain, three Honda riders, led by double race winner Katsuaki Fujiwara (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR), are in with a chance of overall third place in the championship chase. Fujiwara has 140 points, with Fabien Foret (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) on 131 and fifth place rider Michel Fabrizio (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) on 122. The WSS debut season of Tatu Lauslehto (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) is about to draw to a close, with the young Finn on course to be awarded his desired top ten status. With a strong points score, the rookie of the year title will also be within his grasp. Charpentier is in determined and optimistic mood on the eve of his home race, wanting to celebrate his championship win from the saddle of his CBR600RR. “It was a strange and very bad situation at Imola but, when I saw the conditions on Sunday, I was glad I had made the decision not to race,” said Charpentier, who nonetheless scored pole at Imola before his injurious fall. “Now I have a fight to be fit enough to ride at Magny-Cours. I saw my specialist in Paris on Tuesday and he has advised me not to ride – but you know what doctors are like. I prefer to leave it until Thursday to make the decision. At the moment, I’m really looking forward to riding for my friends and family and the French crowd at Magny-Cours. I can’t wait for this climax to a fantastic season – for me and my whole team.” For his part, Fujiwara looks almost certain to be fit enough to defend third place at Magny Cours. “I had a big crash at Imola and have some bruises all over my body, as well as a broken ring finger,” said ‘Kats’. “I have been improving every day since last weekend and I think that by next Friday at Magny-Cours, my only problem will be using the clutch with my broken finger. The mechanics will try to make the clutch action as light as possible so that I can race properly this weekend. Unfortunately, because I missed the race at Imola, I cannot retake second place in the championship but I am determined to finish in the top three by winning the race on Sunday.” Foret was another rider injured at Imola, after a crash in the first leg of an aggregate race. He recovered in the second heat to score points, and intends to score 25 more at home. “I have great pain again after the crash of Imola,” said Foret, “I lost grip in the rain and I’m very disappointed. But we have no time for analysis because on Sunday we must to run another race. It’s the last of the year; my home round and I want to make a good result because my target is to finish the season third in the championship. Magny is a strange circuit because of its fast and slow parts, but I will start for the victory, as always.” Fabrizio has most work to do to score third in the championship, but knows he can run well at Magny Cours, despite a disappointing end to his race last year and an off-podium finish at home in Imola this year. “Imola was another strange round because the rain changed the character of the race,” said Fabrizio of his most recent outing. “This is not a good period for me but I want to return to the podium after two races off it and I need to do this in Magny Cours. Last year I ran only my second race on a Supersport bike and I made my first beautiful race – if you don’t consider the end. My target is to finish on a high note, and I want to do this for me and for the team.” Lauslehto’s perfect points scoring run was interrupted for the first time this year at Imola, after a small technical problem dropped him out of the top 15, but he knows what is required at Magny-Cours – another new track on his rookie trail. “Same procedure as everywhere – it will be the first time for me to ride at Magny Cours. In the standings I’m still 4 points away from becoming ‘Rookie of the Year’. But it is still possible to make it. I’ll give my all to get the missing points from Magny Cours because I don’t want to leave the title to my competitor Fores.” World Superbike Round 12 of 12 LAST POINTS ON OFFER FOR HONDA’S FIREBLADE QUINTET Having been deprived of the opportunity to fight for the championship title all the way to the final round at Magny-Cours, Chris Vermeulen (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) has already made a clear declaration of his season ending ambitions – win both races in France. Should he win both races, he would have a season ending tally of seven, and given his recent Superpole prowess, he could add to the two pole positions he has scored this year so far. Pierfrancesco Chili (Klaffi Honda CBR1000RR) is out for his first podium of the season at Magny Cours, as he sits in an overall ninth place at present. The Italian rider, a legend in Superbike circles, has yet to break through the fifth place barrier in any race, but given the mercurial talents of Chili, he is always at his most dangerous when least expected. Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) will be fighting for a top ten finish in France, and his first podium in his rookie SBK season. Overall 11th at present, Muggeridge is only seven points from the top ten at present. Another rider in his novice SBK season, Max Neukirchner (Klaffi Honda CBR1000RR) has already clipped the wings of an SBK podium finish, in Australia. Intent on an upwardly mobile race weekend, he could conceivably finish ninth, despite being 13th overall at present. Ben Bostrom (Renegade Honda Koji CBR1000RR) fights against the back problems that have blighted recent races, but he wants to sign off the season on a high note in France. For Vermeulen the disappointment of a second race washout at Imola can only be healed by bathing in the restorative elixir of two doses of victory champagne. “I guess it would have been a good climax to the season if the title was still undecided, but I’m just coming here to win two more races and finish the season on a positive note,” affirmed Chris. “We had a really good test here in June but the Suzukis tested here a couple of weeks ago so they’ll be the ones to beat. That’s what motivates me really, and I think last Sunday’s first race win at Imola was one of my most satisfying. To win on an intermediate front and beat Troy and the others on their slicks was a pretty good feeling. It started to slide around after about five laps so I had to change my riding style and move it up to another level.” For Chili Magny-Cours is a good season-ending venue. He looks to the previous year for inspiration in his final race of 2005. “With two top ten positions last year I proved that I have a good grasp of the track layout at Magny Cours,” stated Chili. “I finished 5th and 6th. That was OK, but I hope to make a better race again this year and achieve top results.” Muggeridge has clear goals for the weekend, especially after the frustrations of Imola’s first race DNF and second race cancellation. “Last weekend was really frustrating because we made some good steps forward with the bike during the two days of qualifying and the first lap of race one I was feeling really good,” said Vermeulen. “I feel positive about Magny-Cours though and we had a good test here back in June. I think we’ve got some more chassis parts to try first thing on Friday that will hopefully get us in a position for some good results on Sunday.” Neukirchner waxes lyrical when asked about the prospect of racing at Magny-Cours. “Magny-Cours is a wonderful race track. It is a little bit like a beautiful woman, with lots of fascinating characteristics,” said the eloquent German rider. “There are extremely fast sections followed by slow and tricky ones. The challenge at Magny Cours is to find the ideal, elegant line. This is a big job – but it makes the whole thing even more attractive.” Bostrom will find Magny Cours a trial, but is adopting a philosophical mentality to the final race weekend of the year. “The problem for me is the same one as the last few races, healing up my injured back,” said Bostrom. “Just as it starts to get better I have to go racing and that undoes all the healing. The pain and lack of mobility is there all the time but the main problems come under braking and in quick changes of direction. My crash at Imola in practice didn’t help of course, but there is nothing I can do about it – so I’ll be going to Magny-Cours to do the best I can.”