Yamaha's Noriyuki Haga has got his sights set on the podium at Miller Motorsports Park this weekend and quite rightly too after his terrific display in Monza

The Samurai of Slide has seen a remarkable return to form and now is third in the championship table - albeit a long way behind Troy Bayliss but it only takes a couple of DNFs and the game changes.

He said: "I am very focused now, and I am determined to close the gap on Troy from now on. It will be a real learning weekend for all the teams and riders, as it is a new track for us all. I don’t know that much about it but that’s the same for everyone. But after Monza my confidence is high, because we were competitive in each race.”

Team-mate Troy Corser, who has been struggling for grip for the better part of the season so far, is his usualy, relaxed self but isn't that au fait with the track. "I think it’s great for the WSB Championship to be coming here," he said.
"I haven’t heard too much about the track to be honest, the layout looks good and the safety is supposed to be great. I’ve spoken to a few guys who’ve done trackdays there on bikes and in cars and they give it the thumbs up, so I’m looking forward to racing there. We’ve had some tough races this year but the Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team is ready to race and win in the US.”