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Andalusia has always been one of Europe's renowned battlegrounds. It has long been seen as a gateway to the Mediterranean, and whether it was the Romans, the Almohads or various Spanish factions, dominance of this area has always been sought after. This weekend will be no different, with battle lines drawn at Jerez for WorldSBK and the title potentially decided.

Last year Jonathan Rea clinched his first WorldSBK title in Jerez and the Northern Irishman needs to extend his title lead by just two points over Tom Sykes to successfully defend his crown. This year has been a much more challenging campaign for Rea compared to 12 months ago, but his ability to adapt has allowed him to come to the penultimate round with a 48 point advantage.

While Rea was a dominant force last year, the 2016 season has played out rather differently. Despite leading the Championship since the opening race, this has been a challenging season. The Kawasaki is a very different animal this year compared to last season and Rea has had to endure rather than enjoy some races because of gearbox gremlins. Even so, when Rea has been on form he has been superb and he rightly sits on the verge of a second title.

If Rea does win the title he will become the first rider since “King” Carl Fogarty to defend the crown and will assure himself of his place as a WorldSBK legend. That status will have been built mostly on his dominant form on the Kawasaki and with that being the case it's interesting to look at other riders on the grid and their reputations.

One rider of particular interest to many in 2016 has been Leon Camier. The Englishman has ridden superbly this year and is finally getting the recognition that his talents deserve. For many he has been seen as an under-rated rider in the field but his results on the MV Agusta have certainly changed that perception - and he is being rightly hailed for his performances.

While the Italian manufacturer is still chasing their first ever WorldSBK podium, Camier is getting closer and closer to that feat. Last time out in Magny-Cours could easily have seen the previously unthinkable happen. The development work spearheaded by Camier has been impressive this year and while there is still much work to be done, the leaps forward this year point to 2017 being filled with potential. For Camier, who's future is still not confirmed, the last two seasons have seen him rebuild his reputation and make many in the paddock take notice.

When Camier dominated the British championship in 2009, winning an unbelievable 19 races, much was expected of him when he moved to WorldSBK - but for various reasons he was never able to consistently show his potential. This year with MV that talent has been shown on a weekly basis once again and he has shined.