SIDECAR world champion Steve Webster will have to put the idea of a vacation to the back of his mind at Italy's sun-baked Autodromo Santamonica.

The twisting 2.5-mile circuit, known more simply as Misano, is just six miles from holiday hot-spot Rimini, on the Adriatic coast.

But the Easingwold ace and his passenger, Paul Woodhead, will have little time to rest there as only a victory will do when they compete in tomorrow's sixth round of the ten-race 2001 World Championship.

After scorching to their first win of the season two weeks ago in Germany, Webster has put himself back in contention to retain the title he has won a record eight times.

He has so far endured an eventful season, with two non-finishes and championship leader Klaus Klaffenbock's last round disqualification, and now trails the Austrian by 30 points in the rankings, with five races and 125 points still up for grabs.

It is Webster's fourth visit to Misano. On his first visit in 1990 he took a second place behind Rolf Biland, and followed it up with a win in 1991.

He then waited eight years before a return to the usually sunny circuit in 1999 when he took another second place, this time behind Klaffenbock. He returned last year to record his 43rd win in a red-flagged race.

"It's an awkward left-handed circuit, and a real tyre-eater," he said.

"Last year we were stopped after eight laps due to an accident, and everyone used the opportunity to change rear tyres.

"We're taking really hard rear tyres with us, and it's one of the few tracks where we are not able to race practice tyres, as they just wouldn't last the distance.

"Again we've got to win to try to get points back on 'Klaffy', and we've got to hope that Steve Abbott and Jurg Steinhausen are in there so 'Klaffy' finishes as far back as possible.

"That might be difficult though as he is riding very well at the moment. Steve Abbott can match him on riding skills but has had a big power disadvantage, but this weekend he's got a new crankshaft which brings his engine up to a full 1200cc, so maybe he'll be up at the front and on the pace." said Webster.

Passenger Woodhead's knee problems, which forced them to pull up during the race at Donington Park last month, are now sorted and Webbo is confident of doing what is required.

"I like the track - most of the corners are left-handers and the weather should be good," he said.

"If it's too hot it can be one of the hardest races of the year as the many corners make it very physical, but we're going there knowing we can, and must, get a good result."

Tomorrow's race will be Webster's 145th world championship race started, and his 17th with Woodhead in the chair. The duo have won five of those outings and if they are to keep their championship hopes alive they need to come home with another maximum points haul.

Updated: 11:11 Saturday, June 23, 2001