Swan Yamaha's Michael Laverty goes into this weekend's Snetterton British Superbike round as the man with the fastest time at the track so far, set at the fairly official unofficial test at the Norfolk circuit on a freezing cold day in April.

The Toomebridge man put in the fastest time that day while team-mate Tommy Hill skidded down the road but Laverty will have to contend with John Hoplins, who tested at the track last week and put in some fairly impressive laps, according to his team.

"I was quickest at the test here earlier in the season so hopefully we can maintain that during the race weekend. The circuit is like a big European circuit now and I am definitely looking forward to it," said Laverty.

"There hasn't been a runaway winner at all in the championship so far and it will all come down to who is switched on to the new track and can pull it out of the bag at the event. There are lots of new passing spots and with everybody finding their feet the fans should get two great races on Sunday."