Following the summer break, World Superbikes starts again this weekend at Donnington Park and I for one cannot wait.

Yamaha say that their two riders are more than ready to enter the fray again and will be using Öhlins electronic suspension for the first time, following successful testing in Vallelunga the team asked Öhlins to supply the suspension for the rest of the season. Both the riders and the team hope this will help on the undulating Donnington track surface.

Yamaha teammates Noriyuki Haga and Troy Corser are hoping to improve on last years’ scores this year, having won race two last year and scored two podiums, respectively.

Haga is back fully relaxed and ready to do battle, he said “I’m relaxed and my battery is fully charged, so I’m looking forward to racing at Donington Park. I always like to race at British circuits, like Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington and I always seem to have very supportive fans. I also usually have good results in British races. Last year at Donington race one was very strange because after the first few laps I did not seem to have any grip, and by the time I did I could only finish fourth. Race two was special because it was my first win of 2007 as the race was held in April last year. I had a very exciting battle with Max Biaggi and I have a good memory of the last corner of the final lap. This year I will try to get maximum points from each Donington race.”

Troy Corser is only 10 points back from second place in the championship standings and is particularly happy with the new suspension set up, saying “I’m looking forward to Donington because our results there last year were quite good, and it’s a track that I like. I had my first European wildcard ride there back in 1994 and I got two podiums there last year. Right now I am looking to Donington to get my first win for Yamaha, that’s my aim this weekend. We will be using Öhlins electronic suspension and I think it will be most useful for bump absorption.”

Also on display this weekend is the new Yamaha race day livery, designed by a Yamaha Livery Design competition winner in partnership with MCN, to be revealed in the paddock on Saturday at 6pm.