Monday, 06 September 2010 18:47 by Claudio Porrozzi

The sad news of the Misano tragedy quickly reached the Nurburgring paddock.  In a weekend already characterized by rumors and shock announcements, the unfortunate incident only added to the strange and tension filled atmosphere.  It was almost enough to make everyone forget about the title fight between Max Biaggi and Leon Haslam, which now moves to Imola for the Italian's first match point opportunity.

The GOOD - The Ducati Win - Seeing a red bike back on top was a real pleasure, without taking anything away from their competition.  Yet another reminder that Ducati is an integral part of the WSBK community.

The BAD - The Ducati Win - Yes, the Ducati win again: a mix of outrage over an absurd decision, and frustration at a season that didn't go as it should, the Ducati win makes it clear what could have been and what we will be missing.

The UGLY - The BMW "Rumors" - At this time, the "divorce" of the Italian teams members - Tardozzi first amongst them - from the German manufacturer, is essentially confirmed. And it comes as the team continues to struggle for results.  In the end, it was the established company men who won out, defeating the outsiders (who have a long track record of success).  Time will tell who was right...

The IMPATIENT - Marco Melandri - Superbike was... calling to him, and he will make the transition in a less than smooth manner: last Thursday he called the series second tier, compared to MotoGP.  First he needs to show that he can win here, then he can talk...

The CONCERN - The Huge Gaps - It didn't receive much attention, with everything else that was going on, but the results of both races saw embarrassing gaps between the finishers.  The third place finisher in Race 2, Cal Crutchlow - who dominated both races at Silverstone - finished 10 seconds behind Haga.  In Race 1, third place finisher Leon Haslam was 8 seconds behind Rea.  A little too much for a series with fairly even machinery.

The CALCULATOR - Max "the Emperor" Biaggi - Biaggi demonstrated his experience and maturity on Sunday, as he effectively protected his lead over Leon Haslam without taking any risks.  It may not have been great to watch, but Max has never been one to worry about pleasing the masses.

The SURPRISE - The Kawasaki Performance - Tom Sykes, a 25 year old Englishman with a modest racing CV, ran two incredible races, finishing 5th and 7th.  Perhaps the unveiling of the 2011 ZX10-R helped to motivate by the rider and the team, even if he had already scored another 5th place finish this year, at Monza.

The QUESTION - The Future of Badovini - BMW are looking for a second rider to partner with Troy Corser. Many names are being thrown around, but Ayrton Badovini is not one of them.  The 24 year old Italian has already clinched the STK 1000 Championship on a BMW, winning eight of eight races so far.  He already has experience in WSBK, and experience as a test rider.  Is it because he is Italian? (see above)