Half distance approaches in the 2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup with the 5th of 10 races held this weekend in Mugello. Just 8 points separate leader Luis Salom from JD Beach and they will be pressed hard by Daijiro Hiura, who beat them both in Portugal. Being only 13, Japanese ace Hiura had to miss the last round in France but is in action again at the Italian round with a good chance of putting his title attack back on track thanks to the rule that all riders must drop one result from their Cup points total at the end of the season. While he hopes for his second victory 16 year old American Beach is still looking for his first win after taking second in all 4 rounds so far.