Biaggi looking for test repeat in Qatar.

There is no Christmas rest for the teams of the World Superbike Series - well, not just yet anyway - as the final Pirelli test of 2006 sees at least one team from each of the major manufacturers heading to Qatar for a three-day session at Losail.

The 19-21 December test will see those involved evaluate the latest specification Pirelli tyres, and is expected to play a major part in development of the Italian rubber ahead of the 2007 campaign, which kicks off at the same Doha circuit on 28 February.

Although the session will not be his first time on a superbike, all eyes will be on Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki's Max Biaggi, to see if he can repeat his feat of topping the times, as he did in the previous group test at Valencia. The Italian superstar will be out to continue his good form - and establish a potential psychological edge - ahead of what will be his rookie SBK season. Biaggi will be joined at Losail by Alstare team-mate Yukio Kagayama.

Among those hoping to topple the Roman Emperor from his pre-season perch will be recently-crowned champion Troy Bayliss, who has had his thunder stolen slightly by Biaggi's rapid arrival. Having won his second WSBK title in 2006, the Ducati Xerox-mounted Australian will be partnered by regular riding partner Lorenzo Lanzi, the Italian having shown the continuing potential of the red machine by taking a share of fastest time in Valencia.

The man Biaggi replaces at Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki, multiple WSBK champion Troy Corser will also be looking to continue a strong start to his newest relationship. The Australian was fastest Yamaha rider in Valencia, having signed for the official Yamaha Motor Italia team, and will be hoping to maintain the upper hand over team-mate Nori Haga, as he works on further developing the 2007-specification R1. Haga, a long-time Yamaha servant, will also be on hand to push the team along its learning curve with the new bike.

Honda will be represented by Ten Kate's James Toseland and Roberto Rolfo and, although the CBR 1000RR isn't a new machine for 2007, the duo will be hoping to continue its development as they again work on the suspension and electronic items introduced in Spain.

Regis Laconi and PSG-1 team-mate Fonsi Nieto will head up the Kawasaki presence, looking to the Doha test as a chance to match tyre development to the needs of their ZX-10Rs as they both search for their first SBK race wins for the Japanese marque next season.

The superbike boys won't be alone in the desert, however, as a strong contingent of Supersport teams, again representing most of the top manufacturers, will also be at Losail to give Pirelli feedback designed to shape the development path of the latest generation tyres.