Key Points of 2016: Part 3
It’s the middle of the week already! Time for more Key Points…
This week, WorldSBK.com is considering what could be the ten most interesting talking points of the 2016 season. Welcome to Part 3.
Rivals look to topple Kawasaki, including returnees Yamaha…
Japan’s Kawasaki, united with Spain’s Provec Racing, proved unbeatable on most occasions in 2015. They didn’t have it all their own way, though, as the likes of Aprilia and in particular Ducati showed on their days. The law of averages states that a repetition of such dominance – winning ten more races than every other Manufacturer put together – is unlikely. Ducati proved mighty strong with Chaz Davies at times last year and team-mate Davide Giugliano is now back up to full fitness. That’s not to mention a possible Honda resurgence, courtesy of Nicky Hayden and Michael van der Mark, while the new Yamaha YZF-R1 has already won no less than ten titles at national level as well as claiming victory in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours. That is not to mention the BMW threat coming from Althea and Milwaukee…
Quality aplenty in Superstock 1000
There was tension all the way through last year’s FIM Superstock 1000 Cup and more should be expected in 2016. From the eight races last season, three different manufacturers all celebrated victories. The likes of Aprilia, BMW and Yamaha are hoping to do the same again, while the 2015 Superstock 600 Champion is now on the STK1000 grid: Toprak Razgatlioglu utterly dominated on the smaller bikes, but mentor Kenan Sofuoglu reckons he is even quicker on a 1000. One of his rivals will be Leandro Mercado, STK1000 Champion of 2014. Let battle commence.
Time on your hands? Why not catch up with the previous Key Points of 2016?
- Monday - Part 1
- Tuesday - Part 2
Part 4 will be available on WorldSBK.com this Thursday…
