Samsung Honda's Jon Kirkham will be questioning himself if he isn't a regular podium-dweller in year's British Superbike Championship, which kicks off at Brands Hatch tomorrow, afer creeping up on team-mate Michael Laverty in pre-season testing.

The tall Midlander has been quietly improving his laptimes over pre-season testing and believes he had the right package in 2012 to finally be challenging at the front on a regular basis.

“It took a little time to dial into the bike, but we are there now. We have the best package and that is good as the new regulations for the series puts rider ability first. I am just looking forward now to getting out there and getting good results. The team around me is a friendly bunch and I settled with them straightaway. My targets are to be running up front and posing questions if I am not on the podium," said Kirkham.

Read Niall Mackenzie's BSB predictions in bikesportnews.com, on sale tomorrow morning