As the V10 R-League hits the halfway stage of the groups, some teams are in a stronger position than others.
In Group B, that team is BMW, who sit atop the table with six points from two matches. With only one team progressing directly to the semi-finals, they are in the box seats, but can JAESA Suzuki provide an upset?
Getting the job done early
There are no guarantees in the V10 R-League, but a 4-0 win in this match for BMW would practically have them booking their place in the semi-finals with a week spare.
Following their huge win over Williams last time out, the German team is in control of their own destiny, and are brimming with confidence thanks to the pace of their star man Kevin Siggy.
Can that pace once again prove the difference in this matchup?
Underdogs that bite back
JAESA Suzuki had Week 2 off to regroup after a close but still disappointing 4-0 loss to Williams in the opening week of action.
That result should foreshadow a similar story against BMW, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Giovanni De Salvo put the move of the season on Williams at Spa, while Kamil Pawlowski has flashed good speed too. Having had a week to regroup, restrategise, and prepare, the Italian side could certainly pull off the upset, something they were very good at in Season 1.
Prediction
You can certainly take an opponent too lightly, and if BMW do that they will be in danger of losing key points in this match.
JAESA Suzuki is far from a pushover, but they lack the out-and-out pace of Kevin Siggy. That means track selection will be crucial in this matchup. We could see a circuit like Yas Marina employed, where overtaking is hard, to give JAESA an edge. Or they roll the dice and take on the Temple of Speed in Monza, where anything can happen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I47-lBlYNcY
We have focused on Siggy, but it's important to note that he isn't alone in the BMW team. Michael Romanidis has been a strong foil for Siggy, while Felix Quirmbach is a reliable #3 for the team. The trio have been working together well, each playing their part when they have been required.
It's really tough to see anything but a strong BMW performance here, as they have the chance to go into the final race in cruise control if they perform well here.
Prediction: BMW 4-0 JAESA Suzuki
How to watch
Fans in the UK & Ireland will be able to watch this match for FREE on BTSport.com at 4pm BST on Thursday, 29 April.
Those in the USA can catch all the action at 6pm EST on ESPN3 on Thursday, 29 April. Thanks to their expanded coverage this season, fans in the Netherlands, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania can watch the next day on ESPN.
Check local listings for exact times!