Sterilgarda Go Eleven team-mates Ruben Xaus and Max Biaggi head to Valencia this weekend with very different aspirations - the Spaniard aiming for a repeat of last year's home victory (pictured), while Biaggi doesn't know what to expect after his Phillip Island wrist fracture.
Xaus' race one victory of one year ago was the only win by a satellite rider during the 2007 season and, having recorded the second fastest lap time during the recent Valencia test - despite only riding for one day - the Spaniard has high expectations for his home 1098 debut.
"Valencia is my home-track. I'm sure that many supporters will come to the circuit given that SBK is followed a lot here," said Ruben, currently third in the world championship standings after three fourths and a second. "Here I have always scored good results, especially last year and during the last test. I hope to be one of the stars of the round immediately from qualifying. I really would like to repeat the result of last season but I know that it will be hard. Anyhow the podium is within my reach."
Biaggi's huge Phillip island accident also meant he missed the Valencia test, but the Roman - now seventh in the championship after his double Phillip Island DNF - needs every point he can get.
"I prefer to do not set any particular goal," said Max. "I'm trying to recover from the injury but I'm not at the top of my physical condition. I will try to do my best anyway. The two races are long and you never know what can happen."
"Valencia is my lucky track. Here I achieved my best result both as WSBK rider and team manager," added team manager Marco Borciani. "I hope that this tradition will go on given that Xaus and [the team's Superstock rider] Polita worked so well during the testing here. I wish that Max could fight for the top positions. He is doing his best to recover from the injury and I really appreciate his efforts."
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Xaus' race one victory of one year ago was the only win by a satellite rider during the 2007 season and, having recorded the second fastest lap time during the recent Valencia test - despite only riding for one day - the Spaniard has high expectations for his home 1098 debut.
"Valencia is my home-track. I'm sure that many supporters will come to the circuit given that SBK is followed a lot here," said Ruben, currently third in the world championship standings after three fourths and a second. "Here I have always scored good results, especially last year and during the last test. I hope to be one of the stars of the round immediately from qualifying. I really would like to repeat the result of last season but I know that it will be hard. Anyhow the podium is within my reach."
Biaggi's huge Phillip island accident also meant he missed the Valencia test, but the Roman - now seventh in the championship after his double Phillip Island DNF - needs every point he can get.
"I prefer to do not set any particular goal," said Max. "I'm trying to recover from the injury but I'm not at the top of my physical condition. I will try to do my best anyway. The two races are long and you never know what can happen."
"Valencia is my lucky track. Here I achieved my best result both as WSBK rider and team manager," added team manager Marco Borciani. "I hope that this tradition will go on given that Xaus and [the team's Superstock rider] Polita worked so well during the testing here. I wish that Max could fight for the top positions. He is doing his best to recover from the injury and I really appreciate his efforts."
crash.net