Heading into the second half of the season in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Jordi Torres (Althea BMW Racing Team) and Rafaelle De Rosa (Althea BMW Racing Team) look ahead to round nine of the season, where both the riders performed strongly in 2016.

Spanish hopeful Torres has been heavily focusing on fitness and training over the summer break, and is ready to impress in the second half of 2017. Following the heartbreak at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, he has proved he has the pace to fight at the front and is hoping to repeat last year’s strong performance around the Lausitzring circuit.

"I've spent a lot of time training in recent weeks," begins Torres. "To be as prepared as possible for the final phase of the championship. I’ve enjoyed myself, doing a lot of sport, and I feel ready for Lausitz. Having finished fourth last year, I’m feeling confident too. It would be nice to do well at what is BMW’s home track, so here’s hoping for a positive weekend. I've spent a lot of time training in recent weeks, to be as prepared as possible for the final phase of the championship. I’ve enjoyed myself, doing a lot of sport, and I feel ready for Lausitz. Having finished fourth last year, I’m feeling confident too. It would be nice to do well at what is BMW’s home track, so here’s hoping for a positive weekend.”

Italian De Rosa competed around Lausitzring last season in the European Superstock 1000 Championship, where he was able to secure pole position. With his BMW S 1000 RR typically suited to the sweeping circuit, the Italian is looking forward to getting out on track for the Prosecco DOC German Round on a Superbike.

De Rosa explains: "I haven’t had a lot of down time seeing as I also took part in the Suzuka 8 Hours. Now I’m focused on the final part of the SBK season. I’m pleased to go to the Lausitzring and think our BMW suits the German track quite well. Last year I recall that the team was working well in SBK, particularly in the dry sessions, while I scored pole in the Superstock. We hope for favourable weather and I’d like the weekend to remain dry. Our chances of doing well are quite good I think.”

Althea BMW Racing Team are raring to go around Lausitzring, and you can follow all their progress through the WorldSBK VideoPass from 18th-20th August.