New Post has been published on http://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/all-right-for-markus-reiterberger-2018-european-superstock-1000-champion/

All right for Markus Reiterberger: 2018 European Superstock 1000 Champion

Domination, passion, speed, skill, champion. Just a few words to sum up Markus Reiterberger (alpha Racing-Van Zon-BMW) and his 2018 season in the European Superstock 1000 Championship, as he leaves Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours as the champion. Taking the crown in the final round of the year, he showed out on track just why he’s taken this crown with his stunning domination and pace.

Hailing from Trostberg in Germany, Reiterberger first began racing in 2007 in the acclaimed Red Bull Rookies Cup with small levels of success. His first competitive victory came in 2009, in the Yamaha Cup and he was crowned champion of that same series the following season. Moving into the IDM and European Superstock 1000 Championships, he had found his calling and progressed throughout both series.

Re-entering the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship after half a season away as the reigning IDM champion, he was not short of confidence or momentum heading into the opening round of the season at MotorLand Aragon. With five years of experience in this paddock, the circuits were familiar to the 24 year old and with his championship winning team behind him, he was the man to beat.

Northern Spain in April was the setting of his first victory, crossing the line over two seconds ahead of the field as he secured his lead on lap nine of 13. He faced a battle from pole position but was able to eek out a comfortable lead over his rivals around the 5km track. With no time to rest ahead of round two, the paddock travelled to TT Circuit Assen for the MOTUL Dutch Round, and the German brought his A-Game.

Qualifying on pole position for the second time on the bounce, there was never a threat to Reiterberger’s lead as he got off the line in the 14 lap race and took his second victory of the season by over five seconds. With a ten point lead in the championship standings to his name already, he was flying on his BMW S 1000 RR.

However, like all true champions are set to face, Round Three at Imola was a challenge for Reiterberger. The tight, twisty and technical circuit doesn’t lend itself well to the Germans riding style and a top five finish was the best he could muster in Italy – leaving with just one points advantage in the standings.

Back on top form in the UK around the fast and flowing Donington Park, Reiterberger took a dominant win by over four seconds from pole position. Re-stamping his authority over the field, it was another lights to flag victory for the 24 year old and he was able to regain the all important confidence. But it wasn’t all plain sailing for him, as rain hit Automotodrom Brno just minutes before the lights went out – something he was not ready for. Despite this, he took a top four finish slipping back from podium contention early on; but his title lead didn’t slip too much with a nine point lead heading to Misano.

It was the championships return to Italy in July which was able to put one hand on the title for Reiterberger, as his fourth victory of the season gave him a 14 point lead and the chance to take the crown at the next race after the summer break.

After nine weeks away it was time for him to step up to the plate, as he had his first opportunity to secure the crown in Portugal. Portimao has been a tough track for the German in the past, and that proved to be the case in September. Getting off to a steady start, he wasn’t able to look comfortable on his BMW S 1000RR and could only secure third position. Putting up a sensational fight towards the end of the race, it wasn’t to be for the German, meaning it was all or nothing in France.

Delivering a determined and stunning ride to be crowned 2018 Champion in the eighth and final round of 2018, Reiterberger took the crown in France after a sensational performance. The King of STK1000, his season will not be one to be forgotten for a while!

Send your congratulations to Reiterberger using #Reit1

Markus Reiterberger (alpha Racing-Van Zon-BMW): “It feels really good the race was awesome, I tried to do fast lap times but Sandi was really fast so I tried to not make any mistakes to try and take the victory so I could take the championship. Afterwards I saw that the gap closed up and I tried to win the race but then I made a mistake and I decided it was better to take home the championship, which was the right choice! So we are champion. I want to say thank you to my team, my family and everyone who has supported me.”

STK1000 Race at Magny-Cours 1. Federico Sandi Ducati 2. Roberto Tamburini BMW +0.295 3. Markus Reiterberger BMW +1.308

STK1000 Championship Standings Acerbis French Round: 1. Markus Reiterberger (GER) BMW (156 points) 2. Roberto Tamburini (ITA) BMW (142 points) 3. Maximilian Schieb (CHI) Aprilia (123 points)

Markus Reitierberger STK1000 Career Statistics Titles: 1 Race Starts: 30 Wins: 5 Podiums: 8 Poles: 6 Fastest laps: 4

World Superbike

jQuery(document).ready(function($) if(typeof(gg_galleria_init) == "function") gg_galleria_show("#5bb0a923e8b07");gg_galleria_init("#5bb0a923e8b07");); Grid Girls Gallery by Grid Girls UK

New Post has been published on http://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/stk1000-the-last-hurdle-for-markus-reiterberger/

STK1000: The last hurdle for Markus Reiterberger

Seven down, one to go: the 2018 season of the European Superstock 1000 Championship faces its last stop at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours with three riders still alive in the title hunt. Just like last year it will all come down to the final turns: who will leave France as the new European champion?

Markus Reiterberger (alpha Racing-Van Zon-BMW) has led the championship since day one: from Free Practice at MotorLand Aragon to this day, the German has been an unstoppable force in STK1000, leading the standings and showing every weekend the qualities of a true champion. Yet the title is still not his to keep: third place last round at Portimao means that he still needs seven points to secure the title win, one which seemed all but ensured. One single faux pas after an impeccable season, and Reiterberger will be at the expense of what his two main rivals do in France.

At Portimao, Roberto Tamburini (Berclaz Racing) not only won his first STK1000 race in three years, he also kept his title chase alive against all odds. The 27 year old sits 18 points behind his fellow BMW rider in the standings – anything other than first or second would not be enough for Tamburini, and even then he depends on Reiterberger’s performance. Nonetheless, the Italian has hit form at just the right time: do not count him out just yet.

Out of the three title contenders, Maximilian Scheib (Aprilia Racing Team) suffered the most at Portimao, crossing the finish line in fifth position and losing ground with Reiterberger. The Chilean now faces the final round 19 points behind the leader and one behind Tamburini and faces an uphill battle for Magny-Cours. Considering the grit Scheib has shown this season however, expect him to give it his all right until the checkered flag drops.

Several riders will also travel to Magny-Cours with a point to prove, determined to be more than an afterthought to the title race. Federico Sandi (MOTOCORSA Racing), Florian Marino (URBIS Yamaha Motoxracing STK Team) and Alessandro Delbianco (GULF ALTHEA BMW Racing Team) have all managed podium finishes this year and will undoubtedly play an important part in the season’s denouement.

The European Superstock 1000 Championship race kicks off the day’s action at Magny-Cours, as the lights go out at 11.40LT (+1 GMT) and it won’t be one to miss!

World Superbike

jQuery(document).ready(function($) if(typeof(gg_galleria_init) == "function") gg_galleria_show("#5ba8c821ebb48");gg_galleria_init("#5ba8c821ebb48");); Grid Girls Gallery by Grid Girls UK

New Post has been published on http://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/stk1000-will-the-pressure-get-to-reiterberger/

STK1000: Will the pressure get to Reiterberger?

Five down and three to go, with one last chance to make an impression before the summer break. The European Superstock 1000 Championship heads back to Italy two months after the Imola round, and everything is still at stake. Three riders, three countries, separated by fifteen points: a thrilling contest as the Pirelli Rimini di Riviera Round awaits.

There has been some ups and downs in Markus Reiterberger’s (alpha Racing-Van Zon-BMW) season so far. On a dry track, nobody has been able to match the German: three races, three poles, three wins, two of them from lights to flag. But in the two dates on the calendar that rain intervened, he’s been off the podium and never truly in contention for the race win. Which version is more likely to appear at Misano? Reiterberger will hope for the former, but watch out if the skies begin to cloud over.

Maximilian Scheib (Aprilia Racing Team) was exceptional last round in the Czech Republic, taking the lead inside the opening lap and winning his first race of the season. The Chilean has been impressively consistent since Round One, but was lacking that little boost to push him into championship contention. That came with three races now left: nine points off Reiterberger, having taken four podiums in a row, Scheib is a force to be reckoned with.

Roberto Tamburini (Berclaz Racing Team) missed a fantastic opportunity at Brno to become the new STK1000 leader. Starting from third on the grid and just ten points off of Reiterberger, a bad start launched Tamburini back down to eighth, where he remained all race. A podium in the Czech Republic would have been enough to cancel the gap between him and P1 in the standings – now, Tamburini will have to step up at his home race.

From his initial third place at MotorLand Aragon, Federico Sandi (MOTOCORSA Racing) has seen his season go progressively downhill, the gap between him and the front three increasing race by race. However, he remains fourth in the championship and within fighting distance. Also returning home at Misano, will we see a Sandi resurgence?

Two riders who probably expected more out of their season before Brno were Florian Marino (URBIS Yamaha Motoxracing STK Team) and Alessandro Delbianco (GULF ALTHEA BMW Racing Team). Neither rider was able to fulfill their potential in the first half of the season, but at the Czech Round they both made the podium and battled in phenomenal fashion. The pair will expect to be back at the top again in Misano now that they’ve proven their worth.

Perhaps the biggest shocker of the STK1000 season so far was Matteo Ferrari (Barni Racing Team)’s cameo appearance at Imola, when the 21 year old, in just his fifth STK1000 appearance, won in spectacular fashion. Could Ferrari win again at Misano, in what will be his third wildcard appearance at the Pirelli Riviera di Rimini Round? Many eyes will be opened in the WorldSBK paddock if the Barni Racing member can do the Italian double.

New Post has been published on http://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/stk1000-no-defender-of-the-crown/

STK1000: No defender of the Crown

As Aragon approaches so does the debut round of the FIM European Superstock 1000 Championship, and 21 riders will line up in front of the lights on Sunday with a big battle on their hands, and a lot to play for. 2017 champion Michael Ruben Rinaldi departs to WorldSBK this season, leaving no reigning champion and no target for the riders this season. Nine nationalities, six manufacturers and fourteen teams, you won’t be short of variety in STK1000 this season.

French rider Florian Marino sticks with a Yamaha for 2018, this season with URBIS Yamaha Motoxracing STK Team as the 24 year old looks at taking his debut victory in the class. Mr consistency in 2017, he will be keen to secure a victory early on this season as the class is a competitive one. Without his main rivals of 2017, he will be confident he can put on a good show this season and go one step further than the second position he secured here last year.

Roberto Tamburini and Luca Salvadori will be taking on the BMW S 1000 RR machines with Berclaz Racing Team SA, as both former podium contenders will look at putting up a strong fight this season. The Italian duo’s history around MotorLand stretches back to Tamburini securing a victory in 2015, whilst Salvadori has a more difficult past and they will be a strong force into 2018.

Previous STK1000 race winner Markus Reiterberger secures a full season deal with alpha Racing-Van Zon-BMW, as he comes off the back of taking the IDM title in 2017. Stunning the crowds around Lausitzring in his wild card appearance last year, he moves over with a familiar team and bike, meaning his pace will no doubt be strong from the opening round.

Italian up and coming star Gabriele Ruiu takes on the Team Pedercini Racing ZX-10RR this season, as the 17 year old is set to make his debut on the world scene. Competing in CIV and CEV in the past, he comes to MotorLand understanding the circuit and his riding talent is strong enough that he will no doubt shine.

Chilean talent Maximilian Scheib (Aprilia Racing Team) returns to the STK1000 field this season with Aprilia, and after 2017 full of points scoring finishes and three podiums he will be looking to progress and improve into 2018. Whilst Alex Schacht (EAB SCHACHT Racing Team) will be at the helm of the other Italian machine on the grid with the Ducati 1199 Panigale R.

New Post has been published on http://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/stk1000-tight-top-heading-germany/

STK1000: Tight at the top heading into Germany

Following a stunning European Superstock 1000 Championship race last time out at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, which saw Marco Faccani (Althea BMW) take a stunning victory ahead of championship leader Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Junior Team), it’s time for the STK1000 riders to prepare for the second half of the season. With just one point separating the top two in the standings, there is everything to play for heading into the sixth round of the season at Lausitzring for the Prosecco DOC German Round, and one thing is certain: no one will be holding back.

Italian Rinaldi has had a stunningly consistent season in the STK1000 championship so far, with the 21 year old taking four podiums – two of them victories. Showing pure dominance in the races he has won so far, it’s clear Rinaldi is feeling confident onboard his Panigale R and will be coming back from the summer break as determined as ever. With a tough outing last year at Lausitzring in wet conditions, the Italian youngster will be keen to improve his pace this year. Following a test around the 4.225km circuit in July, he will be able to work through any issues throughout the weekend to bring the fight to the pack on Sunday.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) continues to impress in the competitive STK1000 class and sits just one point behind Rinaldi in the standings. Securing his first victory at the Acerbis Dutch Round, his momentum continued on throughout the season, standing on the top step for the second time at Donington Park for the Pata UK Round. However the young Turk is another rider to have struggled around Lausitzring last season, meaning it will be a tough ask for the two front runners in the STK1000 championship. Recharged and ready following the nine week summer break, Razgatlioglu will be fighting to take his first title in the WorldSBK paddock.

French rider Florian Marino (Pata Yamaha Official STK1000 Team) is a not-so-distant 23 points off the top of the championship, as he has been quietly consistent so far this season. Securing three podiums and only one race outside the top five so far, Marino is still searching for that all important first win onboard his YZF R1. Missing out on last year’s German round with injury, it will be a testing weekend for the 24 year old but with his rivals suffering a tough history around the circuit; it may work in his favour.

New Post has been published on http://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/stk1000-rinaldi-heads-netherlands-target-back/

STK1000: Rinaldi heads to The Netherlands with the target on his back

MotorLand Aragon treated fans to the opening round of the European Superstock 1000 Championship, and it didn’t take long for us to establish who will be the riders to beat in 2017. Despite the unpredictable nature of the championship, dominance was the theme in Spain. In such a close-fought championship, the flowing character of the TT Circuit Assen will no doubt provide some stunning racing action.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Junior Team) leads the championship standings heading into the second round of the season, following a stunning display of dominance to open the season with. The Italian started the season on the best possible foot with his Ducati Panigale R, and now the paddock heads to Assen – where Rinaldi has a podium finishing history. The 21 year old will certainly be the rider with the target on his back in The Netherlands.

The Italian will be facing some stiff competition from Florian Marino (Pata Yamaha Official STK1000 Team) and team-mate Roberto Tamburini (Pata Yamaha Official STK1000 Team), around a circuit which is notoriously favourable to the YZF-R1. The duo completed the podium in MotorLand after a lonely race for the pair, however a strong Sunday saw them improve on their pace from qualifying as they started from the second row.

Protégé of his compatriot Kenan Sofuoglu, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) will be hoping to emulate his success of 2015 when he took the victory in the European Superstock 600 series. Taking a top four finish in the opening race of 2017, the young Turk will be a talent to keep an eye on as we delve further into the season.

Marco Faccani (Althea BMW Racing Team) brings experience with him into the STK1000 Championship this year, and with a top five pace already the Italian is keen to improve. Looking to work through shoulder pain he is suffering with from a previous injury, a break will have helped Faccani. At a circuit that hasn’t been overly kind to the 21 year old in the past, will he be able to keep up his top five pace?

Lone Dutch rider in the STK1000 Championship, Wayne Tessels (Agro On-Benjan-Kawasaki) will have the home crowd support behind him and as we have seen at both Assen and in STK1000 – anything can happen.