World Superbike News

Karl Muggeridge

The former Supersport rider Karl Muggeridge, will be on the Alstare Suzuki machine this weekend, replacing the recuperating rider Max Neukirchner at the Nurburgring in Germany.

Neukirchner was advised by doctors to sit this round out and continue with his rehabilitation programme, which will no doubt disappoint his fans at his home race.  Max explained about his two recent operations, one to have screws inserted into his back and another to have a metal plate put into his side, making it more comfortable for the rider who no longer has to wear his body cast.

Muggeridge will ride alongside Japanese rider Yukio Kagayama who understands Max’s frustration at not getting back on the Suzuki and said;

“Last year I missed the race because I broke a bone in my hand after crashing in the Saturday free practice session, so this year I hope that I will be able to do both races at the very least! We have had a long break since the last race and I am itching to get back on my bike again and hungry for some good results. It is a shame that  Max will not be racing this weekend and I would like to wish him a speedy recovery. Nurburgring is not an easy circuit because there are many changes of elevation and some slow corners, but I hope we can find a good bike set-up early on, have a good Superpole; and then a good day on Sunday.”

Neukirchner fully intends to be at the circuit to cheer on Karl and Yukio, although he admitted that it would be hard to watch as he is itching to get back to work.

Karl Muggeridge said;

“Firstly I would like to wish Max all the best and say ‘get well soon mate.’ This coming weekend is a nice opportunity to work with Alstare again. The last time was when I raced Supersport for them in 2001 and it’s good to see that many of the mechanics are the same ones I knew then. That will make my life easier when we start working with the bike on Friday for sure.  The team is not putting any pressure on me at all and have told me to just ride the bike and do the best I can. I have spent some time with the Alstare mechanics and have seen the differences between the bike and the Suzuki I raced earlier this year. I think that the biggest difference will be the handling and the electronics: These days it takes quite a lot of time to understand the electronics and the changes that can be made and the quicker I can understand them, the better it’ll be. I’m really looking forward to the weekend, even though I know it’s not going to be an easy one, but whatever happens I will give it my best shot.”