While Last year Koenig won three points thanks to a postseason finish in the championship, this year he is still waiting for more success. The best result came in Assen, the Netherlands, where he was 16th. But he then fell at high speed in Barcelona, tearing ligaments in his ankle.

“Compared to the end of last year’s season, it’s a cold shower this year. The first two races were disastrous, then the better came and then the fall came. I was injured, missed the race at Misano and on my return the other two races were more lukewarm. But I feel better now and I believe that The Bridge will lead me back into the game,” Koenig recounted.

The Native of Prague has completed races in Britain and Italy in recent weeks. He feels fit in front of the Bridge. “Every day I went to exercise, rehab, magnets or electrodes to reduce the swelling. At first I thought I might be good in a fortnight, but it turned out to be a little bit worse. I’ve been on crutches for five weeks and my leg will probably never be the same again. I don’t feel it on my motorcycle, though, and I’m ready for the Bridge,” he assured.

The track in the north of Bohemia should fit Koenig, he knows it well. “I take it it’s the track I’m best prepared for of all the others. It’s a tremendously entertaining and rugged track. There are fast, slow turns and sections on the heartland. For me, it is one of the most beautiful circuits in the championship,” said Koenig, who was 16th in the Bridge twice last year.

Koenig is also assisted by former racing driver Ondřej Ježek from the position of rider coach this year. “Superbike levels have increased significantly this year and are difficult to enforce, especially on a private motorcycle. The bridge will be oliver’s highlight of the season. I’m confident he’ll put in his best performance there. But it will be harder than last year,” Added Ježek.

The program for the eighth installment of the World Championships in Most begins on Friday, July 28 and ends two days later.The event will be carried by Nova Sport.

JK