News

Chang International Circuit lies to the north east of the bustling Thai metropolis of Bangkok, and sees the unique characteristics of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit replaced by a track that has much more in common with many more on the calendar. The heat of the location can often prove the biggest challenge, with searing temperatures and humidity adding to the challenge of high-octane racing.

4-time and defending WorldSSP Champion Kenan Sofuoglu suffered a tyre problem when out in front in Australia, leaving the Turkish rider with no points to show for a weekend of searing pace. After setting pole in the first ever Tissot-Superpole sessions for WorldSSP, the Puccetti rider was out in the lead after fighting off wildcard Anthony West when rain started to fall and a tyre problem saw him lowside out of the race. With the pace there for the reigning Champion, will Chang see him return to his throne? Sofuoglu set pole last year in Buriram and came home second in the race, his first podium of the year on the way to the title.

Teammate and World Supersport rookie Randy Krummenacher could hope not. After riding brilliantly in difficult conditions at Phillip Island, the Swiss rider inherited a well-deserved lead and crossed the line more than two and a half seconds clear to take his first win on the first attempt. Being a rookie, ex-Moto2 rider Krummenacher has never ridden at Chang before, and will be hoping to get up to speed quickly to retain his advantage over his WorldSSP veteran teammate.

Sofuoglu’s key rival in the last few years, Jules Cluzel on the MV Agusta, had a difficult weekend at Phillip Island as the team make adjustments stemming from the new technical rules in WorldSSP, including the ban on traction control. Sidelined for the latter part of last season through injury, the Frenchman crashed out of the race in Australia after making an incredible start and leading the race from 8^th on the grid. Leading much of the WorldSSP race before a technical problem last year in Thailand bodes well for him to begin his title challenge proper, hoping to catch the Puccetti pair for the first time this season: Sofuoglu on pace and Krummenacher on points.

New kid on the block Federico Caricasulo will be hoping to continue his form from Phillip Island after scoring his first podium, and 2015 title challenger PJ Jacobsen will be keen to repeat his Buriram podium of 2015 after dueling with eventual winner Ratthapark Wilairot and second-placed Kenan Sofuoglu last season.

WorldSSP action kicks off on Sunday at 14:20 local time (720am GMT), after Friday practices define entry into Tissot-Superpole 2 on Saturday afternoon. Stay on top of everything on WorldSBK.com and on the Live Experience App, and make sure to follow @WorldSBK for all the updates from Round 2!