Driver and rider changes are uncommonly common this year, and they’re starting to become significant.

Felipe Massa’s injury-enforced break from Formula 1 is disappointing, but at least he wasn’t fighting for the championship. Not so Casey Stoner, who is out of the next three MotoGP races while he tries to shake his continuing health issues.

With Dani Pedrosa at less than full fitness early in the season, it’s going to be left to the Yamaha boys to contest the championship. Luckily they’re close on points, but it’s disappointing that it’s a two horse race, essentially for medical reasons.

But at least it is a two horse race. Early on in British Superbikes, Leon Camier‘s main competition was going to be Sylvain Guintoli, but a crash at the third meeting of the year put him out of action. Camier’s pretty much taking the piss now, taking a triple victory at Brands Hatch at the weekend to give him a ludicrous lead in the championship.

It’s a slightly different story in the British Touring Car Championship. James Thompson joined Team Dynamics at the second meeting, and has since then risen to 5th in the standings. Knockhill this weekend will be his final meeting, because his packed schedule is full of Dutch, World and Australian touring car commitments.

Had he been with Team Dynamics from the off, with more pre-season testing and a full campaign, he would have been a front-runner. But that was not to be.

Thankfully, it remains close enough in the championship, so his absence won’t be too sorely felt. And hey, it means we have another driver change to look forward to!