Fresh off the back of a double podium around Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, as well as a mid-season test at Portimao, the Yamaha WorldSBK Team of Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark are looking forward to the final European round of the season.

British rider Lowes celebrated his third podium finish of 2017 at the last round, and heads to Circuito de Jerez with high levels of confidence.

Continuing to make some strong steps with his YZF-R1, he enjoys riding around the southern Spanish circuit despite some bad luck there in the past. However the 27 year old aims to take his momentum forward and improve on his better result of seventh.

"Jerez is a track I really enjoy,” begins a positive Lowes. “We had a very productive test in Portimao and I'm feeling great with the R1."

We have made really good progress with the bike throughout the year and it shows in our results. The test was another step forward and we found some really positive improvements that allowed me to ride with a lot more confidence."

"It was great to be on the podium with Michael at Magny-Cours and it was just reward for all the effort the team has put in, so I am looking to continue this momentum and finish the season as strong as possible plus, of course, I will be trying to get back on that podium!"

Dutch team-mate Michael van der Mark has a stronger record around Circuito de Jerez than his team-mate, taking a podium here in WorldSBK back in 2015 with Honda.

Combine his confidence around the circuit with the new found confidence on board his YZF-R1 Yamaha, the 24 year old has his sights set on his third podium of the season in Southern Spain.

Van der Mark explains his positive feelings around Jerez: "After doing a lot of testing this winter in Jerez and the progress we have made with the bike during this season, I cannot wait to see how we will go there."

It is a track I have a good record at and at the moment, we are in a very strong position after great results in the last three races and a really productive test in Portimao."

"My mission will be to fight as close to the front as possible again and, of course, the podium would be even better!"

With two rounds of the World Superbike Championship remaining, Ducati Corse have announced their Superbike Project Leader Ernesto Marinelli will be leaving the Italian factory at the end of the season.

Joining Ducati in 1995, he began his journey with the Superbike project and has seen many successes within the company. Helping the factory secure five rider’s world titles, in 2003 with Neil Hodgson, James Toseland in 2004, Troy Bayliss’ two titles in 2006 and 2008, and finally Carlos Checa in 2011.

On top of this, he has played a part in them being crowned manufacturer’s world champion in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011.

Beginning his career with the Bologna-based company as a track engineer, he then went on to become the head of their AMA Superbike programme, before taking on the role of SBK Technical Director.

His final role in the company was Ducati SBK Project Manager, and he leaves with one season left of the Panigale before the V4 engine is introduced.

Speaking about his time at Ducati, Marinelli explains his decision to leave: “After 22 years it’s not easy to say goodbye and turn over a new leaf. Nevertheless, for each and every one of us, the time comes to raise the bar and face up to further challenges."

"I’m leaving Ducati in the knowledge that I have lived numerous unforgettable and successful moments, sharing passion, dreams and satisfaction, as well as defeats, disappointments and difficulties."

"All of these have marked and shaped my professional career and they have helped me to understand that “never give up” is not just a saying but to all intents and purposes a style of life.

“For my future,” continues Marinelli. “I’ve decided to accept a new professional challenge and put myself to the test again, albeit with the awareness that everything I leave behind will always have an important place in my memories and my heart."

"There are still four races to go before the end of my final season in SBK, and it will be an even more special and motivating reason for me to continue to fight and win together, before saying farewell to all my colleagues and the Ducatisti, with whom I’ll continue to share friendship and passion, and with whom I’ll still be supporting our red bikes from Borgo Panigale!”

Claudio Domenicali (CEO of Ducati Motor Holding SpA) adds: “I began to work with Ernesto back in 1995, the year he joined Ducati, and since then I’ve learnt to appreciate his qualities of expertise, commitment, perseverance and passion for racing."

"Together we have shared success and disappointment, sacrifice and satisfaction, but I have never seen him lose the enthusiasm that has always distinguished him in his work."

"Under his guidance, Ducati has obtained numerous successes in the Superbike championship and of course I’m very sorry that he has decided to leave our company at the end of this year."

"I’d like to wish him all the best for his new professional challenge and I am sure that in the future he will continue to follow and support Ducati with the affection he has always has."

Leon Camier is set to make the move to join the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team for 2018, taking on the World SBK Championship with the Dutch-based squad after three full seasons with MV Agusta.

Currently sitting in eighth position in the world championship standings, the British rider has seen his season begin to improve with the Italian factory, putting in some highly impressive performances and is getting close to that sought-after podium finish.

Announcing he will make the move to the Japanese manufacturer, Camier will be helping the Honda team to continue to develop and understand their new CBR1000RR SP2 Fireblade, which has had a steady debut season in WorldSBK.

2017 has been a difficult year for the Ten Kate Honda team, following the tragic loss of Nicky Hayden in May and Stefan Bradl forced to sit out of the final three rounds of the season with a wrist injury.

With Camier now onboard, they will be looking ahead to a strong 2018 with the British rider, and he will begin winter testing for the new team at the end of the season.

Marco Chini, Honda's WorldSBK Operations Manager expresses his delight at the announcement: “We’re extremely happy to have Leon on board for the upcoming WorldSBK season."

"He’s a great talent and an extremely professional rider, so I’m sure it will be a pleasure to work with him. We’re confident that his expertise will help us raise the performance of the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 to a whole new level, so we’re looking forward to the new challenge."

"Right now however, there’s still a season to complete, so we are fully concentrated on the remaining rounds in order to improve our package and finish the year on a high note."

With the dates for the 2018 World Superbike Championship yet to be finalised, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Dorna WSBK Organization are delighted to announce the series will continue to race around the stunning 3.6km circuit into 2018.

WorldSBK has been racing around the Californian circuit since 1995, with a slight break from 2004 - 2013 and has hosted some spectacular events over the past 15 years. A favourite for fans and riders alike, Laguna Seca has become a popular event on the WorldSBK calendar, and the renewal is one which will come as a delight to many.

First opening as a car circuit back in 1957, the track was modified in order to host bikes and has become world renowned for the spectacular layout, featuring the infamous ‘Corkscrew’. Set for a date 22^nd - 24^thJune, the American Round of WorldSBK is now a regular feature on the calendar, and five riders on the current WorldSBK grid have taken the victory at the venue.  

"We are thrilled to welcome the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship back for 2018," said Gill Campbell, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca general manager.

"It is an honour to be the only track in the United States to host the international series that features some of the best road course racers on two wheels from around the world."

"Fans who flock to the Monterey Peninsula every year clearly have a passion for the great racing they provide."

Daniel Carrera, WorldSBK Executive Director adds: “The American WorldSBK Round is always a popular one, and there is no circuit more fitting than Laguna Seca to host it. We are thrilled to return to Laguna, it feels like WorldSBK’s American home and we look forward to another successful event there."

"Going to a circuit as passionate about racing as we are is very important, so to share the same passion makes for a fantastic weekend. We look forward to returning to California in 2018!"