It was Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Xavier Siméon’s birthday recently and the Belgian rider is hoping to celebrate it in style by taking first place in this weekend’s round of the FIM Superstock 1000 Championship in Lausitz, Germany. Needless to say though, all his opponents will be trying to spoil Xavier’s party at the German racetrack.

However the talented Belgian is aiming to continue his recent good form (three podiums, including a hard-fought win in Brno - in the last three races) and make life difficult for them. After a hesitant start this season, Xavier Siméon is now second in the standings and only 12 points behind series leader Matteo Baiocco.

With three races left in the Championship, Xavier Siméon and his crew have revised their objectives upwards and realised that a second consecutive European crown might be within reach.

Xavier Siméon
"Even though I’m in a good position in the general standings, I do not intend to have a change of heart in Lausitz. I will be riding there the same way as the rest of the season - with victory on my mind and not thinking too much about the championship. At this stage, I know I’m good enough to stay with the leaders. And even though the championship is not my absolute priority, it would be fantastic if I could finish this race ahead of Baiocco. I know he doesn’t like Lausitz very much and, when we tested there earlier this season, I was two seconds a lap faster than him last year! I know a podium is a real possibility and I aim to be on it at the end of the race."