It will be just the second time a world SBK round will be taking place at the track, which was only opened in August 2000. The track the Superbike and Supersport riders use is one of the courses designed specifically for road racing. Only the front straight of the oval high-speed track will be used.

Last year the event was blighted by bad weather, but this year all hopes are on a dry race weekend. Last year Colin Edwards (Honda) and Troy Bayliss (Ducati) shared the spoils. Team Alstare Suzuki rider Gregorio Lavilla raced for another team last season, so this year will be a new experience for the Spaniard.

GREGORIO LAVILLA - "Last year I was racing for another team, so it's impossible to say how this race is going to go. When the weather is bad, it restricts the amount of time we have to improve the bike. Last year Lausitzring wasn't so good for me: I finished 6th in race 1 (not so bad) and then 16th in race 2! This year my bike is better and maybe I'll get a podium for all my fans."

2001 result: GREGORIO LAVILLA - Race 1: 6th, Race 2: 16th