Tyco BMW’s MCE British Superbike Showdown pairing of Michael Laverty and Tommy Bridewell will benefit from a new, WSBK-spec swingarm at this weekend’s Assen round which should improve the edge grip of the S1000RR.

Both riders have been using a road-spec swingarm so far this year but it was enough for both to qualify for the top six and be able to scrap it out for the 2015 title.

“It was a huge relief to qualify for the Showdown. I think we have been building all season and the next circuits should really suit the BMW. It has been tough but we have some upgrades that should help us and I am looking forward to that as it should be a significant improvement, which I hope is the missing link,” said Laverty.

“We are all really motivated for the Showdown and hopefully the upgrades will take us to the next level. The way the championship is works well for us this season as the Showdown gives us a second opportunity now. We are looking ahead to the next three rounds with a fresh mentality.

“If you look at Josh and Shakey they go into the Showdown with a deserved advantage but that at the same time gives them the added pressure to not make a mistake. We can take a slightly carefree attitude as we can move up, but in the worst case scenario we will be where we are now. We have seen before it could all change and I am sure there will be some added dimensions to the final rounds. There won’t be any holding back from anyone.”

Bridewell added: “Once I had the position in the Showdown confirmed it felt really nice to finally get that off my shoulders, but now comes the second weight of trying to close the gap to Josh and Shakey over these last three rounds.

“I feel like I need a typical Assen misfortune from Josh or Shakey because at this stage one difficult weekend can close it all up. We have been working hard on developing the BMW all season long and we are now 90 percent there, which means we are going to be stronger in these final three rounds. It is never too late to still fight for the title; yes I could do with some luck but if you look at the past, anything can happen.

"Goal one was to get into the top six and now goal two is to put every ounce of me into fighting for podiums at least. Anything less than the top three is not enough now.”