Australia’s Troy Corser will be fighting against his BMW’s natural instincts in this weekend’s round four of the world superbike title at Assen.

The double world champion is bracing for a tough outing on the Dutch circuit, which was once a flowing, open masterpiece – which would have been right in the BMW’s comfort zone -- before it was redesigned and shortened in 2006.

“Assen used to be a real ‘rider’s’ track, but it is not the same anymore,” said Corser. “It’s not a bad track, but it just doesn’t flow like it used to and that could be a bit of a problem for us.

“At the present stage of the bike’s development, it seems that the bike is working better at tracks that flow, instead of stop/start circuits.

“Obviously, we are working very hard on getting the bike good at all types of tracks, but it just takes time and laps.

“We’re getting there for sure and, if we can get a good Superpole and start from near the front end of the grid, I’m sure we can improve our results.”

BMW recently tested at Monza and, although Corser was forced to pack up early after high-siding and hurting his wrist, he and teammate Ruben Xaus made some good progress.

Australia’s former world superbike rider Steve Martin was also at the test to offer some fresh insight on how the machine is tracking in its maiden world superbike season.

“After the big highside I decided to call it a day with that test, mostly to give my wrist a good chance to rest and recover,” said Corser. “I didn't need to aggravate it further. It was a shame as we were making good progress and good lap times. The team know more that needs to be done to the bike now so hopefully we are in good shape for Assen.”

Corser has recorded a number of podium finishes at Assen over the years, with the last one in 2001. His record would undoubtedly have been healthier if not for the indomitable Carl Fogarty, who won 12 races at Assen during the 1990s, including nine in a row at one stage.

Corser is languishing in 15th after three rounds, having been forced to fight his way through the pack from lowly grid positions.

FRONT RUNNERS HAGA AND SPIES READY FOR ASSEN

After his best-ever start to a championship, Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) leads by 40pts (135 to 95) over American rookie Ben Spies (Yamaha), with both riders having won three races apiece.

Max Neukirchner (Suzuki, 65pts) is a long way back in third position, with the next four riders all within 13pts of each other.

Haga’s record at Assen is patchy, and includes a number of DNFs. However, the Japanese enforcer is relishing his new role in the Ducati factory squad alongside Michel Fabrizio, and he’s now in a prime position to win his first race at Assen since 2000.

"Assen is a tricky circuit. I preferred the old layout of the track, like most people, but don’t dislike the new version,” said Haga. “My history there has been rocky, but I’m looking forward to riding this track on the 1198, it should be interesting.

“We know that the Ducati performs there as Troy (Bayliss) won both races last year, so it should be another good weekend.”

Meanwhile, Assen is another new frontier for the prodigiously gifted Spies, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him continue his 100 percent pole position record at the very least.

Neukirchner and Carlos Checa (Honda) are also fast at Assen, and other contenders will include Aprilia pair Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano, Fabrizio, Jonathan Rea (Honda), Tom Sykes (Yamaha), Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki) and the star privateers: Regis Laconi (Ducati) and Honda duo Leon Haslam and John Hopkins.

Haslam is fifth in the championship, right on the tail of Fabrizio.

NEWCASTLE’S BROC PARKES – NEW PARTS FOR ASSEN

Australian Broc Parkes (Kawasaki) is looking for further improvement at Assen after scoring his first top 10 for the year at Valencia.

“The bike is developing well and we’ve made some pretty good steps forward over the past few races,” said Parkes. “We have some new parts arriving ready for Assen and this will hopefully take us through to Monza and then obviously the flyaway rounds.

“My aim is to be in the points for all the races, but I still feel a top 10 is a bonus for us. The weather is pretty unpredictable at Assen, so it will be a challenging race and anything could happen.

“The championship is so tight though, anything can happen so it’s possible to be in the top 10 if things go right.”

Parkes wil now start to share information with teammate Makota Tamada as they look to fast-track development on the factory Kawasaki.

“We have been running separate settings for the last few race,” said Parkes. “However, we will be running similar settings from Assen onwards, so it will be good to compare and to work together on improving the feeling of the bike and moving it forward.”

WORLD SUPERSPORT – AUSTRALIA’S ANDREW PITT READY FOR ASSEN AFTER VALENCIA DISAPPOINTMENT

The world supersport title has been intense from the opening bout at Phillip Island, with the biggest upset in round two when Irishman Eugene Laverty defeated fellow Honda rider, Australia’s Andrew Pitt.

Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) continued to uphold the rookie cause at Valencia when he won his first race, and he now shares co-leadership of the title with 2007 world champion Kenan Sofuoglu (Honda).

Laverty, Pitt and Anthony West (Honda) are all equal third, with Mark Aitchison (Honda) making it three Australians in the top 10.

Valencia was a disaster for Pitt as he battled some front end problems on his 2009 model CBR600RR, but the defending world champion is confident the worst is behind him.

“We did have a few problems last time out with the new bike, but we’ve been able to narrow it down to three small problems that all came together at the same time,” said Pitt. “It meant the front end didn’t really work properly during the race at Valencia, but now we’ve got the problems dialled out I’m hoping for better things at Assen.

“I took second place in a wildcard ride for the team here in 2007 and won last year’s race; and the guys have made some other improvements to the bike, so I’m feeling confident that Assen can be good to me again.”

Current superbike standings (after round three of 14)

Current supersport standings (after round three of 13)