THE HANNspree SBK Superbike world championship returns to Brands Hatch next weekend (August 1 to August 3) for the Bennetts UK round.

Once again the Grand Prix circuit will be filled with the noise and atmosphere of one of the biggest bike events in the world.

Former double WSB champion Troy Bayliss will be hoping with the backing of his UK fans he can take a double victory on his final visit to the Kent circuit and move a step closer to sealing his third crown.

HANNspree Ten Kate Honda's Carlos Checa will be making his debut at the circuit and will be looking to add to his points tally as he strives to close the gap on Bayliss.

Alstare Suzuki's Max Neukirchner currently lies second in the standings and will be looking to keep Yamaha Motor Italia's Troy Corser at bay in third.

Max Biaggi returns for a second season and now with knowledge of the circuit, the "Roman emperor" is sure to be a frontrunner onboard the Sterilgarda Go Eleven Ducati.

He scored a podium in the first race here in 2007 despite never seeing the Grand Prix circuit until Friday's free practice sessions, so fans should keep an eye out for the Italian.

British fans will also have some new heroes to cheer, as British Superbike Championship regular Tom Sykes heads the list home-grown riders who will race as wildcards.

Rizla Suzuki rider Sykes took a maiden victory last weekend before going on to take the double.

He will be hoping he can carry this success on to Brands Hatch and will be joined by fellow BSB rider Simon Andrews on the Lloyds British Yamaha, who is targeting similar success against the WSB regulars on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

With former British Superbike champions Ryuichi Kiyonari and Gregorio Lavilla also racing, it will be impossible to predict the outcome of the two races at Brands.

HANNspree Superbike World Championship top five standings after round nine: Troy Bayliss (Xerox Ducati) 309 points; Max Neukirchner (Alstare Suzuki) 230 points; Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia) 218 points; Carlos Checa (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda) 215 points; Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia) 210 points.

Bayliss has been the man to beat this season, and this will be your last chance to see the "Wonder from Down Under" race at Brands as he is set to retire at the end of the season.

The Aussie certainly has the statistics on his side, with more than 40 wins in his career to date, but he was unable to beat Britain's James Toseland last season.

Bayliss knows the Grand Prix circuit well and has fond memories of the track from his time in the British Superbike Championship when he won the title in 1999.

He said: "My career at Brands has been pretty good. I've had a lot of experience there and we've seen all sorts over the years.

"I had a great year in 2006 with a win and a second place but then last year was more difficult.

"It's one of the biggest races on the WSB calendar; in fact along with Monza I'd say it's the biggest of the series.

"I really like the layout and it's unlike any other track.

"It's generally a busy weekend and the crowd are always out in force. I am lucky to have a lot of fans there due, I think, to the fact I used to race in the British championship and lived over there for a couple of years."

Bayliss added: "I reckon Haga will be the force to be reckoned with at Brands but we have to see.

"There are several other guys of course, like Max Biaggi, Troy Corser, Max Neukirchner, Carlos Checa and Ruben Xaus.

"Who knows how it will go? I just hope to pull out a great result and it would mean a lot to me to win at Brands this year."

Bennetts British Superbike championship rider Sykes will be taking on the world at Brands having been given a wild-card entry for this round.

Following his superb maiden double win at Oulton Park last weekend, "the grinner" is now eager to show what he can do against some of the best riders on the planet.

Sykes said: "I can't wait to represent the Brits at the WSB round at Brands Hatch.

"Everyone knows this round is one of the biggest on the calendar and I want to give it my best shot at winning it for the home fans.

"Shakey did it here a few years ago so it is possible, I just hope the fans get right behind me as that makes all the difference.

"I am really excited about the prospect of racing against the likes of Troy Bayliss and Noriyuki Haga."

He added: "Brands has a great atmosphere and there are so many fans, which makes it such a massive event.

"Fans should definitely watch at Paddock Hill Bend or in a grandstand which is just mega as you can see nearly the whole Indy circuit and they have those screens as well.

"I think fans should also go out the back part of the circuit as it is fast and then you can really appreciate the speed and how much riders go through."

As an added bonus, fans coming to the WSB event will get the chance to meet their heroes before the track action starts on July 31.

The race paddock will be open to the public from 2pm to 6pm, with fans able to meet the riders ahead of the big event.

A full timetable can be found at brandshatch.co.uk Tickets for the HANNspree SBK Superbike World Championship at Brands Hatch on August 1, August 2 and August 3 cost from £34 for adults, with tickets for children aged 12 and under available from £5.

For more information, call 0870 950 9000 or visit brandshatch.co.uk