Preview - Suzuki

World Superbike Champion Troy Corser and Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra team mate Yukio Kagayama are determined to make the podium at this weekend’s 11th and penultimate World Superbike round at Imola.

Corser believes he can still make the top three in the series - after a roller-coaster season – with good results at the Italian circuit and at Magny Cours in France the following week.

Imola was a scene of celebrations for Team Alstare last year when Corser was crowned World Champion after the second race was cancelled due to a flooded track. His runner-up position in race one and the cancelled race two was enough for Suzuki and the GSX-R1000 to take their first ever World SBK title.

Troy Corser:
“I still think I can finish in the top three this year and that’s what I’ll be shooting for at Imola and Magny. It’s been a real up and down year - literally in some cases - but I’m aiming for strong consistent finishes in the remaining races and a good end to the season. I had mixed feelings last year when the second race was cancelled because I would’ve liked to have taken the title in normal conditions. But our team had worked so hard over the winter months and we were all set from the very first race - and so our title was well-earned. It’s not going to be so easy these last few races because Bayliss and his Ducati are working so well - particularly his traction control. Also, Imola is a ‘home’ race for Ducati because their factory is just down the road, but that’s a big incentive for me and the rest of the boys to put one over them. That’s what I’ll be trying to do, for sure.”

Yukio Kagayama:
“I do not have such good memories of Imola last year so I will be doing my best to get two good results this time - maybe podiums. Ever since mid season, when I was fully fit again, I have been feeling good on the bike. There have been changes to the bike from last season and it has not always been so easy to get a really good set-up at some race tracks. I think my riding style has changed a little during the year and I have learnt how to be more patient. It is not my natural style, but if it works, of course I will use it. It’s always a bit of a problem when you have back-to-back races but I want to take podiums in all the four races and end the year in a big way.