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The 25th edition of the Superbike World Championship has so far been a perfect combination of excitement, upsets and evenly-matched racing at all levels. With just two rounds to go until the end, in addition to what is now virtually a three-way battle for the Riders' title (Checa and Rea still have a slim mathematical chance), there is also a terrific scrap between four different constructors - for the first time since 2007 - for the Manufacturers' crown. After yesterday's two races at the Nürburgring Aprilia are back on top again thanks to wins by Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team) and Chaz Davies (ParkinGO MTC Aprilia).

The Noale-based manufacturer, which just fell short of collecting all six podium places on Sunday, leads the standings on 384.5 points, 7.5 more than its chief rival in both classifications, BMW, who had a nightmare weekend (including an incredible double DNF by Melandri). These results at their home circuit meant they were ousted from the top in both tables. At this stage of the season therefore it is clear that the support of all the riders entered by the various teams will make all the difference.

While Eugene Laverty, Biaggi's team-mate and the already-mentioned Davies (who is heading for BMW next year) are going through an excellent run of form, the German manufacturer will have to rely on a competitive end of season finish obviously from Melandri, as well as the team's second rider Leon Haslam - who is still suffering pain from an injured left shoulder - and the BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet duo of Michel Fabrizio and Ayrton Badovini.

The other two manufacturers still in with a chance are Ducati, third but 42.5 points behind, and Kawasaki, 62 points away from Aprilia. While for the manufacturer from Borgo Panigale the gap can still be made up (unlike in the Riders' battle where Checa is 70.5 points behind Biaggi), the Akashi-based constructor will have to rely on some top finishes by main rider Tom Sykes if it wants to win the title in this 2012 season.