TAREE’S Troy Bayliss’ seemingly inexorable charge towards a third World Superbike title continues at Brands Hatch in England this weekend, where another dominant display from the 39-year-old will nearly put his championship aspirations beyond doubt.

With all the momentum behind him after a superb double victory at Brno’s round nine, Bayliss leads this year’s championship by 79 points from German Max Neukirchner (Suzuki).

But his biggest threats at Brands Hatch are likely to come from the factory Yamaha pairing of compatriot Troy Corser and Japan’s Noriyuki Haga.

The pair has won seven times at the historic circuit, where the undulating curves and ‘blind’ apexes are famed for testing the limits of man and machine.

Of the Yamaha duo, Corser has the most recent form on the board, and the stoush between the Australians should be a highlight as they go into battle at Brands Hatch for the last time before Bayliss retires.

“My career at Brands has been pretty good overall,” said Bayliss. “I had a great year in 2006 with a win and a second place but then last year was more difficult, when James (Toseland) did the double.

“I really like the layout and it’s unlike any other track, it’s probably the most dangerous track that we visit, but this gives it more character I guess.

“I reckon that Haga will be the force to be reckoned with this weekend, but there are several guys of course, like Max (Biaggi), Corser, Neukirchner, (Carlos) Checa, (Ruben) Xaus… Who knows how it will go? I just hope to pull out a great result. It would mean a lot to me to take a win at Brands this year.”

Bayliss put in a blinder at Brno, and his third clean sweep of the year couldn’t have come at a better time after his form had dipped in previous rounds. The Taree rider rates it as his best effort so far in 2008.

A maximum of 250 points are up for grabs in the final four rounds.

Series standings

Troy Bayliss, Australia, Ducati

309, Max Neukirchner, Germany, Suzuki 230, Troy Corser, Australia, Yamaha 218, Carlos Checa, Spain, Honda 215, Noriyuki Haga, Japan, Yamaha 210, Fonsi Nieto, Spain, Suzuki 161, Ruben Xaus, Spain, Ducati 148, Michel Fabrizio, Italy, Ducati 147, Max Biaggi, Italy, Ducati 146, Ryuichi Kiyonari, Japan, Honda 115, 15 Karl Muggeridge, Australia, Honda 64,

22 Russell Holland, Australia, Honda 14