WSBK: All in play at Portugal final between Nori Haga and Ben Spies
10-20-2009
by
moto123.com
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The upcoming final round at Portimão promises to be one of the most exciting week-end of the 2009 WSBK season, as it will see an all out battle for the title between championship leader Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) and rookie Ben Spies (Yamaha).
Haga has led the championship for the best part of the season and has finished five previous championships in either second or third position. The Japanese veteran has a ten point advantage over Spies, and will do everything he can to give his Ducati works team another championship following the one earned by Troy Bayliss in 2008.
The Ducati Xerox Team has already secured the 2009 World Superbike Manufacturers title, their 16th, two weeks ago at Magny-Cours. Between them, Haga and team-mate Michel Fabrizio have so far clocked up ten wins and thirty-two podium finishes in the first sixteen week ends (32 races) of the 2009 season.
"Last year at Portimão, things did not go according to plan; I had some bad luck,” says Haga. ”This year I am in a better position, and now everything comes down to this last event. My strategy won't be any different from normal; I always go out with the aim to win and I always give 100%.”
Ben Spies could well win one or both races on his Yamaha. It will certainly be interesting to see if Michel Fabrizio plays his team mate role at Ducati, or looks out only for himself, as he has done so far this season.
Photo Credit : WSBK
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