The 250cc class returns to action in the Czech Republic after an extended absence, with the quarter litre stars not having raced since the Alice Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland in July.

Marco Simoncelli was the rider to enjoy the comfort of leading the standings heading to the summer break, having dominated in Germany onboard the Metis Gilera RSA with which he debuted at the Sachsenring.

Previous series leader Mika Kallio is eleven points adrift of his Italian rival, having seen his advantage reduced and then beaten as a result of Simoncelli´s sterling form. The Red Bull KTM man is nonetheless still right in the thick of the title picture, and one of the favourites for victory at Brno. The only rider on the 2007 podium still competing in the class (with Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso now plying their trade in MotoGP), Kallio also has rostrum history at the scene of the latest Grand Prix with two runner-up spots in the 125cc class.

The sole 250cc representative at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix –in his role as commentator for Spanish television- Alvaro Bautista is desperate to catch up with the front duo of Simoncelli and Kallio. The Spaniard has been plagued by misfortune that has made his title quest that little bit more difficult in 2008, but a strong sprint to the finish of the season could enable Bautista to make up the 46-point deficit between himself and Simoncelli.

He will have to keep a close eye out behind him, however, as fellow countrymen Alex Debon and Hector Barbera remain extremely close to the Aspar rider in the standings.

A tight top six is completed by Mattia Pasini, who has been impressive in his rookie 250cc season despite a string of frustrating crashes.

© DORNA / CAPSIS International