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For the third consecutive season the Superbike circus stops off at Sepang. A round that, on paper at least, should see the two current title contenders battling it out, considering that last year Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea each took a win and a second place finish. The pair are currently separated in the standings by 35 points.
A gap that Davies , after the double win in Italy, will aim to reduce with the help of his current form and the growth of his Panigale R. The Welshman scored the double at both Aragon and Imola, with a difficult Assen round coming inbetween, somewhat conditioned by the weather.
Jonathan Rea, though having the same chances as the Ducati rider, has recently cited some setting issues with his Kawasaki. The evolutionary step that the Ninja took at Aragon seems to have the World Champ scratching his head. Though having said that, he has still been able to reach the podium in these less than perfect conditions, even scoring the double at Assen.
Sepang's new track surface is of course an unknown for the pair. Last year's references will need to be reset, also in terms of the higher temperatures that the track, now darker and more bituminous, will undoubtedly present. The race will have to be carefully managed so as to preserve the tyres to the line.
Considering its better balance, the Ducati appears to be the favourite, but after Imola work by the Kawasaki technicians, based on the data collected, has focused on giving Johnny better constancy in terms of tyre performance.
The 5543 metre long track will also be a decisive one for Tom Sykes, as he strives to stick with his two main rivals. The former champion has tyre issues last year and has, in recent races, appeared to be rather like a caged lion. Solid performance but, for one reason or another, unable to make the impact, particularly with respect to his teammate. Sepang will therefore be crucial in terms of understanding his chances of fighting for the title.
Someone who will want to see positive results is Davide Giugliano. The Aruba rider is not having the easiest time since arriving at Ducati. The results have failed to materialise and rumours that he'll be moving elsewhere next year surely don't help. Added to this is the fact that Davide didn't race at Sepang last year, due to the injury sustained at Laguna Seca which kept him out for three months. This will be his first visit since 2014, but luckily for him the asphalt should level things out, another reason to try and make this the turning point that both he and Ducati are waiting for.
In the Yamaha garage, and with Guintoli out after the crash at Imola, only Alex Lowes will take part in round six. Tyre performance from mid-race on, the R1's current obstacle, will be no small handicap for the Iwata bike. The temperatures are another unknown and this may well be one of the toughest weekends for the four-cylinder bike that, making its return to the championship this year, still needs to cover more distance and gain more experience.
Lorenzo Savadori is also lacking recent experience. the Superstock 1000 champ last races in Malaysia 6 years ago with the 125 and the track has changed significantly since then. But until now Lorenzo has been strong and the Malay track, fast and very technical, suits the characteristics of the Aprilia RSV4. There could be a surprise in store.
We should also keep an eye on Leon Camier with an MV Agusta that is developing well, and Jordi Torres who reached the podium in 2015 while riding for Aprilia.
