Today more than ever, Superbike represents one of the most electrifying and energetic displays of modern motorcycle racing.

The Superbike World Championship - where high cylinder capacity motorcycles which derive from standard road-going models compete - attracts an extremely high level of public and media attention thanks to several factors which guarantee a great show: among others, the incredibly balanced track performance ensured by sound technical regulations, the use of a sole tyre manufacturer, and close links to the market.

A widely varied public can therefore enjoy race performances of bikes they actually own: the exact same bikes that are seen on the road and bought from dealerships. It is truly a different philosophy from all other forms of competitive motorcycle racing.

Product recognizability and the possibility of success both for the official motorcycles and for the private teams are aspects which draw trackside spectators and TV viewers closer to more dramatic and sensational motorcycle racing, where victory of the favoured is never certain and the surprise factor is more than just a remote possibility.

The 2009 series brings even greater uncertainty about the equilibrium on the track since the number of manufacturers now stands at seven: the Italian manufactured Aprilia and German-built BMW will appear together with the historic Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki teams.

The two new entries are well prepared with highly-experienced figures such as Biaggi and Nakano riding for Aprilia, and Corser and Xaus for BMW. Those who thought they would tiptoe their way into the World Championship have been proved wrong as the two new teams seem to have adopted a rather aggressive strategy and the opening races provide an ample demonstration. And finally, the riders: in the past few days news has arrived that American rider John Hopkins will enter Championship proceedings in Valencia joining the Stiggy Honda team alongside the young Brit Haslam, on a CBR 1000 RR.

Hopkins' arrival increases the number of riders aiming for victory in the winner's circle in 2009: super fast rookie Spies, three-time AMA champion; the tough Japanese Haga, now on the Ducati 1098; Max Biaggi, back with the Aprilia team that brought him so much success; the young German Nuekirchner as well as Fabrizio, Rea, Kyonari, Byrne, Checa, Corser and Xaus. There are many other riders too, some of whom are very young and eager to make a name for themselves, such as Sykes, Smrz and the returning Regis Laconi.

But will all this talent give rise to a new idol able to recreate the successes of great former champion Carl Fogarty, and fill the void left by the best-loved rider in World Superbike, three-time world champion Troy Bayliss?