Max Biaggi welcomes favourite's tag

Aprilia rider Max Biaggi believes that he has the most to lose in the closing round of the World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours this weekend.

The 41-year-old tops the riders' standings on 347 points with only Kawasaki's Tom Sykes and Marco Melandri of BMW able to catch him. But with a healthy 30.5-point lead over Sykes, Biaggi expects to be under pressure as he looks to add to his 2010 title.

"I want to tackle this race like any other," he said. "I know the pressure will be high because of the current standings, but we must not lose focus because we are the ones with the most to lose."

The Italian rider also thinks his team can produce the goods, even if he is the main focus of attention.

"Being out front puts you in the bullseye. Our rivals know that any weakness on our part could reopen the competition," he said.

"In any case, I am calm and focused as always. We've demonstrated that we can do well when we are able to take advantage of every practice session and I can't wait to get on to the track and get to work."

Biaggi has never finished lower than sixth at the French circuit and knows he does not have to win both races this time out to be crowned world champion for a second time.