Playing the numbers game...
30-10-2008
As we head into this weekend's final round of the 2008 European Superstock 600 Championship at Portimao, the permutations for the final series standings look to be very, very interesting...
Frenchman Loris Baz (Yamaha) is already established as Champion on 168 points. Currently second in the series on 121 points, Czech Republic rider Patrick Vostrarek (Honda) is not a factor - he will again be guest riding in the World Supersport race ahead of a planned switch to that championship in 2009.
Italian Marco Bussolotti (Yamaha) currently lies third on 118 points. If Gino Rea (fifth at the moment with 107 points) were to win Sunday's race, Dan Linfoot finish second (presently fourth on 112 points) and Bussolotti came third, then the Italian would take the runner-up spot with 134 points. Rea and Linfoot would tie on 132 points but Linfoot would take third place overall, with his two race wins to Rea's one pushing Gino back in fourth spot.
Currently sixth in the series, Daniele Beretta (Suzuki) cannot jump up in the standings as he only has 78 points.
BUT if Dan were to win, Gino come second and Bussolotti third, then Dan would be crowned runner-up on 137 points, Bussolotti would finish third overall and Gino fourth on 127 points.
But then again, don't expect Loris Baz to be hanging around at the back of the field. Bussolotti won at Donington, so why not again? Maybe Alex Lowes (Kawaaki) will repeat his form from Donington Park, where he finished second. And, of course, ALL the riders in the field want to snatch the circuit's maiden Superstock 600 win and put themselves into the record books.
Which kinda means....
....pretty much everything's up for grabs between Dan Linfoot, Marco Bussolotti and Gino Rea this weekend - should be great!
Sponsors
Team StoneBaker.
The great race at the new Portimao circuit brings an end to our season in World Superbike Superstock 600, with riders Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot.
The season has been a success with Gino third and Dan fifth in the championship standings following three victories and five additional podiums in total. The results have also acted as a stepping stone to the riders for next season, with both securing high profile, career progressing rides for 2009.
Thank you for all of the emails, calls, texts and visits throughout the year. It has been much appreciated.
