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The FIM Supersport World Championship has seen the main protagonists see their highest and lowest point of their career so far, with plenty of drama on offer throughout the 2017 season. Training crashes, scintillating races, highsides, mechanical problems and retirements, this year has seen it all and with three championship leaders across the season, the fight is set to come down to the wire. With Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) back in Turkey nursing a broken hip and Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) riding injured, it’s all to play for as the title protagonists fight through the pain.

Lucas Mahias is in the position of achieving his dream around Circuito de Jerez, as the French rider could take the world title for the first time this weekend. After thinking the title was over following a Superpole crash in France just over two weeks ago, he was able to put in a heroic performance to cross the line in fourth in front of his home fans, and is now in the position to take the title. With main rival Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) aiming to return after suffering an injury to his hip in France, if Mahias can score 17 points whilst Sofuoglu does not score any, he will be crowned champion. The 28 year old is no stranger to success around the 4.4km circuit, as he took a sensational second position in the last years STK1000 race, meaning he will be ready to fight this weekend.

There will be big questions hanging over the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing garage, as Kenan Sofuoglu is fighting to come back from injury following his Superpole crash in France, which left the Turkish champion with a broken hip. Now sitting nine points behind Mahias in the standings, it remains to be seen if he will return to action in 2017, but the title is now potentially out of his grasp. Flown straight back to Turkey following the crash, the five-time world champion has a big task ahead of him, but will use his tenacious attitude as he is yet to give up on the title fight. If the Turkish rider is unable to participate, the team have taken measures to replace the champion.  On the other side of the garage, Kyle Ryde announced he will split from the team for the final two rounds, meaning we will see two different riders on the ZX-6R in Southern Spain. 

Still mathematically in with a chance of taking the WorldSSP title this season, Sheridan Morais (Kallio Racing) will be hoping to repeat his performance shown in Germany. Sitting 32 points behind Mahias, with the addition of the 2017 YFR-R6, the South African is now in a better position to put up a strong fight. Finishing in the top 13 in every race he has entered around Jerez – both in WorldSBK and WorldSSP – Morais doesn’t have a stunning record at the 4.4km circuit but he has been able to put in consistent runs in Southern Spain. Beginning to feel more comfortable with his team, he will be putting in his best efforts to ensure he brings a strong fight to Mahias.

Now out of the title chance, regular podium finishers Jules Cluzel (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda) and PJ Jacobesen (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) could be the men to throw a spanner into the works for the title fight. French rider Cluzel was unable to take a podium finish in front of his home fans, but after taking a top six finish around Jerez last season it will be interesting if he can return to the podium. Jacobsen has a much stronger record around the circuit, and will be looking to continue this pace into the penultimate round of the season, with two second positions achieved, as well as a top four last year. Still searching for that all important victory in 2017, he will be one to watch.

WorldSSP action resumes on Friday 20^th October with FP1, before the lights go out for the penultimate race on 22^nd at 11.30LT, and you can catch it all on the WorldSBK VideoPass.