Former Dickies British Supersport champion, Luke Stapleford has been getting to grips with the ZX-10RR during today’s MCE British Superbikes free practice sessions at Silverstone.
The World Supersport regular is standing in for the crocked Billy McConnell in the FS-3 Racing team and has swapped his Triumph Daytona for the Kawasaki for this weekend.
The weather conditions have not been kind as the track has been hit by torrential rain showers and thunder storms, but Stapleford still went out and set times inside the top 21 on the sheets.
He is already feeling comfortable onboard his temporary machine, but he is not putting pressure on himself and neither are his team. He just wants three solid finishes and to be in the mix in the triple-header event.
"Surprisingly really comfortable with the bike, felt at home straight away. First impression of the bike is surprisingly easy to ride. The team have got no expectations, I am here while Billy is sorting himself out I will give it a good go and I want to do well,” said Stapleford, speaking to bikesportnews.com from the track.
“Three solid finishes is what I need and we need to be in the mix and there is no reason why I shouldn’t be. I know a lot of people here in BSB and coming back here you stop and have a chat and the last few rounds I have been thinking about the idea of riding a Superbike and the opportunity come and I had to grab it.”
Next season Stapleford wants to concentrate on his World Supersport exploits and has the desire to progress and improve in that class on the world stage.
Stapleford added: “Next season we are looking to stay where we are at the minute as we are starting to progress and get somewhere near the top five and six every meeting and that is where we need to stay at the moment.
“We have spent the last year and a half working hard towards getting somewhere in that championship. Next season should be a strong year for us and that is what we are planning towards.”
