Jerez (Spain), Thursday 17 October 2013 – The final pre-event of the season for the eni FIM Superbike World Championship took place today at the SBK Paddock Show and marked the official return of the series to the twisty and spectacular Circuito de Jerez after an absence of 23 years.
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team), Chaz Davies (BMW Motorrad GoldBet), Jules Cluzel (FIXI Crescent Suzuki), Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike) and Xavi Forés (Team Ducati Alstare), joined by Spanish WSS stars David Salom (Intermoto Ponyexpres Kawasaki) and Nacho Calero Perez (Honda PTR), took part on stage in a Q&A session before heading out on track for the last pre-event photoshoot of the year, that happened underneath the impressive “UFO” structure on the main straight.
All of the riders attending the event were excited about the series coming back to the Andalusian circuit and the prospect of a thrilling and intense end of the season. Championship contender Eugene Laverty made it clear that nothing less than a double victory on Sunday will do, whilst current Championship leader Tom Sykes said he would be riding to secure the title.
Rookie Jules Cluzel wants to turn the page on his luckless home round and he is looking forward in having team mate Leon Camier back on his side. Leon Haslam joked about never having a season in WSBK without a podium, while Chaz Davies has fond memories of racing in Spain after the double victory achieved at Aragon earlier in the season.
Furthermore, local rider Xavi Forés, substitute rider for injured Carlos Checa, was welcomed back to the World Superbike paddock and he is hoping to make a good impression for the Ducati squad.
FIXI Crescent Suzuki’s Leon Camier and Max Neukirchner (MR-Racing Ducati) have passed the medical checks at the track, meaning they have been both cleared to ride, while Loris Baz’ (Kawasaki Racing Team) conditions will be further reviewed tomorrow at 9am, before a final decision on his participation to the event.
The action begins tomorrow at 9am for the Superstock 600 European Championship free practice, with the Superbike stars on track at 11:45am.
