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Manufacturers' battle continues apace

Thursday, 10 June 2010 07:59 GMT
Manufacturers' battle continues apace
The Superbike World Championship is a test of both riders and machines, and with seven manufacturers playing their full part in 2010 the fight for domination in the Manufacturers' Standings is tough and ever changing. With seven rounds of the 13 now completed, there are two main quarrels going on, one for the lead in the points' standings and one for fourth.


Suzuki, thanks mainly to the efforts of long-time championship leader Leon Haslam have enjoyed the greatest time in the leading position, but after a double win at Miller Aprilia took the lead, for the second time this year. Aprilia now leads Suzuki by 11 points, 263 to 252. A little way behind after some recent reversals of fortune is Ducati, but with a current total of 214 points, the other Italian manufacturer is still very much in touch.


There have been more extremes of fortune in the fight for fourth place than in any other area of the championship, with Honda on 162 points, Yamaha right there with 158 and BMW 130. Kawasaki has 45 points after a tough first half of the season.


Four manufacturers have scored race victories so far. Aprilia has six wins (all Max Biaggi), Suzuki three (all Leon Haslam), Ducati three (one apiece for Carlos Checa, Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio) and Honda two (both Jonathan Rea).