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The Superbikes are back in action this weekend for one of the most highly-anticipated rounds of the season: Imola. The production-derived series returns to the Santerno track with a classification that underwent something of a shake up as a result of the Assen round.
In Holland Johnny Rea was able to increase the rift, now 30 points ahead of Chaz Davies, his closest rival. The Cannibal will want to do more but it won't be easy, the three-time champion not having won at the track since 2015. Not the case for the Welsh Ducati rider of course, who monopolised the last two editions of the Italian round and will be determined to reduce the gap this time around.
Still in the Aruba camp and Marco Melandri is looking for answers after a disappointing Dutch round. The Italian continues to suffer as a result of the Panigale's stability issues, though he was able to improve things to some extent at the recent Brno test. He is optimistic ahead of his home round, but one thing is certain: with more than 40 points separating him from Rea, he can't afford any mistakes, as a crash would be hard to come back from.
In the Rea versus Davies battle, Tom Sykes has no intention of simply playing the part of spectator, re-energised after his Race 2 win at Assen. The Kawasaki rider will be looking for confirmation, as will Michael van der Mark, two points ahead of the Brit i the standings. The Dutchman represents the flip side of the coin in Yamaha, while Alex Lowes is still seeking continuity.
Then let's not forget Xavi Forés, a star of this early part of the season and keen to return to the podium after a fourth and fifth place at the TT track. It remains to be seen whether Jake Gagne and Leon Camier will be riding their Fireblades at Imola after recent injuries suffered in Spain and Holland. Ten Kate is thinking ahead anyway, bringing along Jason O’Halloran, the Australian rider who currently competes on a Honda in BSB, as a possible substitute. There is also a doubt in the Aprilia camp as to whether Eugene Laverty will be able to ride, having missed the first two European rounds after suffering a bad accident at Buriram. Davide Giugliano is confirmed as a stand-in if Laverty is unable to compete.
Imola is without doubt a special race for Aprilia, looking for a comeback after a complicated season start, the best result thus far being a ninth place scored by Lorenzo Savadori in Thailand. Comeback is also a word that applies to Jordi Torres and Loris Baz, though the latter appeared to make significant steps forward during the recent Dutch round. The clues tell us that he is not to be underestimated.
