The title challengers for the 2009 Superbike World Championship got together for a last-minute meet and greet with national and international media today at the Portimao circuit in Portugal in the run-up to this weekend’s deciding rounds.
Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) and Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) were given a short welcome to the spectacular Portuguese track by home rider Miguel Praia, whose Parkalgar Honda team is sponsored by the circuit.
Noriyuki Haga Speaks…
"Magny-Cours is one of my favourite circuits and I made a great result there, but for me here last year was a disaster. But I tested here with Ducati at the start of the year and was very confident with the bike so I think I will like it more here this time. My feeling is the same as all year, ten points is almost nothing, so I’m always thinking to start from zero and attack."
Ben Spies Speaks…
"It’s a shame we’ve had a couple of weeks off since Magny-Cours because you want to get to the track and get things done! I’m looking forward to it, but to be able to fight for the title in the last race like this is more than one could ask for. We know what we need to do, and in a way this is how it should be. Nori’s been chasing this for some time and I’m trying to do it in the first year. It’s going to be awesome!"
Lap record (race): Troy Bayliss (Ducati) 1.43.787 (2008). Best lap: Troy Bayliss (Ducati) 1’43.340 (2008)
