Luca Scassa, one of the ten rookies who will be making their full-time World Superbike debut in 2009, has speculated that the British Superbike Championship gets far more respect than the Italian national series.

Italian Superbike Champion Scassa graduates to the world championship in 2009, albeit with Team Pedercini, one of the least successful teams on this year's grid.

By contrast, Sterilgarda's Shane Byrne, Yamaha's Tom Sykes and Stiggy's Leon Haslam will all compete with potential front running teams after experiencing success in the British series.

Asked why he believes the British competitors have the opportunity to secure top deals over the Italian riders, Scassa claims the better television coverage and added respect makes a big difference when it comes to making the step.

"[As for] the difference between BSB and CIV, I think it depends a lot on the fact that they have excellent TV coverage, which brings money and sponsors, while in Italy we're a bit lacking in this respect. It seems that the Federation have got the message however and things can only get better."

Scassa made his WSBK debut for DFX Corse at the end of the 2008 season, but will make his full-time appearance with Pedercini, riding a Kawasaki. One of six 'green' machines to compete in 2009, Scassa is aware of the somewhat negative stigma attached to the bike.

"Well, it seems that nothing really positive has been said about the bike so far, but I'm convinced it's got good potential. I'll have to try and get dialled in at the start but I'll get a better idea of things when I ride it.

"I don't have any particular aims because no one has asked me to achieve anything! It will be a learning year for me and I'm ready for that. Let's say I'd just like to get into the points a few times."



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