Round 6 of the 2018 WorldSBK Championship sees the paddock head for the home of Superbikes: Donington Park. The British circuit hosted the first ever round of the championship in 1988, and since then the affinity for superbike racing in the UK has only continued to grow.
The spectacular, flowing track has been the canvas for some of the most incredible moments in the history of the class, but will this weekend be remembered in the same light?
Contenders Ready?
Like all the great gladiators, Jonathan Rea is having to look over his shoulder for a new threat. The Northern Irishman is on the cusp of setting new ground in WorldSBK with a 60th victory around the corner, but this weekend could be a struggle.
Donington is a circuit that should suit the likes of Yamaha and even Aprilia this year, and Alex Lowes, Michael van der Mark, and Eugene Laverty are all fired up to prove their worth as they aim to secure their World Superbike futures.
A First Time Winner?
Lowes and Van der Mark are the obvious options for a new winner in the class but don’t sleep on Leon Camier. This trio of riders are all deserving of claiming their first SBK victories, and with almost 400 starts between them this trio of are overdue a victory.
With a World Supersport champion and two British championships on their combined CV, it is only a matter before they finally break their duck. Could it be this weekend?
Sykes Rights the Ship
When Tom Sykes was beaten by Rea in Race 2 last year, it brought an end to a nine race unbeaten run at his home round. For Rea, it was a race that he had to win, he wanted to use this as a victory to undermine Sykes, and add to the pressure that comes from an intra-team rivalry.
For Sykes, this weekend comes at a crucial juncture; his future has been a topic of hot conversation, with a move to Yamaha being strongly rumored. Winning in front of his home crowd would go a distance to proving how good the 2013 champion still is.
Photo: WorldSBK
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