Crash.Net WSBK News

Biaggi benefits but feels opportunity missed

7 May 2012

Max Biaggi admits the truncated race day at Monza prevented him from putting distance between himself and Carlos Checa in the World Superbike Championship standings.

The Italian was expected to go well around his home circuit, particularly compared with key title rival Checa, who was otherwise anticipated to struggle with his twin-cylinder Ducati at the high-speed venue.

However, the inclement weather conditions would play their part on race day, with race one being cancelled altogether and only half-points being awarded for his fifth place in race two after it was stopped after eight laps.

Though Biaggi concedes a technical issue with his Aprilia on the warm-down lap after the first red flag would have arguably prevented him from even making the restart had it occurred, he still feels he missed out on the chance to extend his advantage.

“It's hard to even know what to say after a Sunday like this one. Without the rain everyone would have had a lot more fun - the riders first and foremost, as well as the fans. Among other things, while coming back in after race one had been suspended I also had a mechanical problem which would very likely have conditioned any restart.

“Race two, on the other hand, was looking good for us. As the track improved I was able to push and I would definitely have made a play for the lead pack. It's true that we're ahead in points, but not with the margin that we could have been on a track that is so favourable to four cylinders.”

Biaggi continues to lead the overall standings, two points ahead of Checa and six points ahead of the in-form Tom Sykes.