The English track is considered the stronghold of Tom Sykes. The numbers say it all, as the Kawasaki rider has won the last four consecutive editions. Incredible but true, this domination by #66, still out to score his first win of the 2017 season. This is, therefore, just too good an opportunity to miss.

Certainly, Johnny Rea will want to put a spanner in the works, especially after finishing second to Chaz Davies at Imola. The current champ is currently leading the championship, 74 points ahead of second-placed Davies, who doesn’t have the slightest intention of giving up after his double victory at the Santerno track.

Marco Melandri also looks to make a comeback in the UK. Donington holds some good memories for the Italian, who won Race1 in 2012 before Sykes took over. Imola clearly left the Ducati rider disappointed as, despite his podium on Saturday, his bike fell short of expectations on Sunday, to such an extent that the Italian stated he’d never had such sensations before in his career.

Resits for Yamaha too, far from the podium in Italy, just like Aprilia. A black weekend for Milwaukee, particularly for Lorenzo Savadori, who never appeared competitive on the RSV4. Last year the Italian finished fourth in race 2 at Donington though, so is not to be underestimated.

Taking a further look at 2016 results, Savadori’s fourth place was matched on the Saturday by Leon Camier, increasingly at ease this season on the MV Agusta. The Brit has taken gigantic steps in terms of the flying lap, demonstrating great confidence, now he has to focus on race pace.

Morale in Honda will be at the opposite end of the spectrum. For Stefan Bradl and the team it won’t be easy to just get back on track and race the clock after what has happened in the last week. For now the Dutch team has decided to focus only on the German rider for the British round and will then decide who it may hire.

Donington also brings something new. Not least the presence of Leon Haslam riding the Puccetti Kawasaki.