Moto Rapido Ducati's Scott Smart is preparing to make big changes to his Superstock 1198S before the opening race of the seaoson at Brands Hatch this lunchtime.

The former BSB man has been experiencing severe front-end push and despite making a succession of changes to the front suspension, hasn't managed to solve the problem.

"We don't have very much data and there aren't any other 1198S bikes being raced so we can't get much advice," said Smart. "We are going to take some weight off the front end and life the ride height, plus making some gearing changes to see what does."