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After the top five riders from the 2009 Superstock 600 European Championship made career moves elsewhere, it was always going to be a fascinating first few races for the youngest riders in the WSBK paddock. The question was simple. Who would fill the power vacuum in this class designed to allow young riders to make a transition from national racing to international competition?

So far Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Racing Yamaha, photo)) is leading the race to be the next champion, having taken a podium full set - first at Portimao, third in Spain then second at Assen. Speed and consistency - a good combination. A good start for the French riders has seen Florian Marino (Ten Kate Race Junior) stick in two wins to make up for his first weekend no-score. Fred Karlsen (MTM Racing Yamaha) has dealt himself back into the early running after getting his Valencia points back, his disqualification having been overturned at Assen.

Only 14 points separate those three, while not too far behind Bernardino Lombardi (Martini Corse Yamaha), Federico D'Annunzio (Martini Corse) and Romain Lanusse (MRS Racing Yamaha) are only separated from each other by eight points. Lots more racing to come in this class, and no doubt some new podium challengers, from Monza next time out to the final round in Europe at Magny-Cours in October.