Aussie Parkes missed the Dutch round at Assen after a testing accident in the UK sidelined him with an injured shoulder and Japanese rider Tamada couldn't add to his points tally either so both are keen to get the www.supercasino.com, Vent Axia and Kick Energy-backed Kawasaki ZX-10Rs as high up the leaderboard as possible at the iconic Italian track just outside Milan.


27-year-old Parkes enjoyed a visit to the podium last year when racing in World Supersport so is hopeful his injuries have healed sufficiently to allow him to be challenging for points but 32-year-old Tamada failed to see the finish on both occasions in last year's races, retiring on the last lap in race two after crashing out of race one with just two laps.


Broc Parkes: "I had the displacement operation to remove the gap between the collarbone and the shoulder over a week ago and I'm recovering well. I'm still pretty sore all over but I was lucky to not break anything and to have this time in between races to recover. I've just started training again and although I'm not 100% fit at the moment, I have another week to recover and I've come a long way so I'm confident I'll be lined up on the grid at Monza and will do my best."


Makoto Tamada: "I had a disappointing and frustrating race at Assen so I'm happy to put this behind me and give it my best shot next weekend. Monza is one of my favourite tracks and we are also expecting new parts, and if all goes to plan and things work out the way I hope, I should have no trouble having a good result and getting closer to the front."


Details and profiles of the riders, team and bikes as well as championship information, pictures and calendar etc can be found at www.kawasaki-racingteam.eu/road-race. Exclusive and copyright-free pictures are also available from each round at www.paulbirdmotorsport.com


Television Coverage

Saturday 9th May

14.00 LIVE Superpole on British Eurosport 2


Sunday 10th May

09.30 LIVE races and studio analysis on British Eurosport 2