Double 'M' Racing's David Paton continues to hold second place overall in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Cup Championship at Oulton Park, but admits the gap between him and current series leader John Simpson of T3 Racing 'bugs' him.

The Loanhead rider returns to the championship for a full season, since taking third in the R6 Cup in 2007 Paton has gained vast and successful experience which included European Superstock 600cc's , Supersport Cup and finally last year Superstock 1000. Now back where he feels he should be, Paton is one of the strongest contenders in the series.

Talking to www.bikesportnews.com, he said: “Yes the season is going not too bad, the plan was to do the full season and we missed the first round at Brands Hatch. We've kind of been on the back foot from the start. We had pretty decent results at Croft, got the double, at my home round at Knockhill I got the win then but it didn't got to plan in the second race.

“It was looking like it was going to rain and we ended up chosing the wrong tyre so no points there I am afraid. At the moment I am second in the championship and the gap to John Simpson, who is leading it, is quite big, but we are only half way through at this stage, anything can happen. Definitely doable.”

For a variety of reasons Paton has not been able to do a full season the past couple of years and has ridden a variety of bikes including a BMW1000, but now he is back to stay. Paton said: “This year we are back with Double M Racing and they are making it possible for us to do the full Supersport cup this year. It's good fun riding the 600cc again. I really enjoyed riding the 600 in the first place, don't get me wrong I liked riding the 1000 as well but it was completely different. Coming back onto the 600 was like a breath of fresh air, it was great fun, it's a small bike and just fun to ride.”

“I am not disappointed but not content with the results I've been getting. I did want to try and contend for the cup championship so guess it is alright at the moment, but the only thing that bugs me is the gap between me and John. Now we've got a bit more power for this round, we've got a new engine. It is better so it's just up to me to push a bit harder and maybe sneak into the points of the main championship.”

“I have been in the main points a couple of times but if I'm honest it's been when the condition have been either wet or not perfect. That levels it out a little bit and gives you a chance to do that. I want to be able to get in the points consistently even when it's dry. It's just a case of sticking it out, being consistent and getting time on the bike. That's the problem with past couple of years it hasn't been. This year it's been consistent I've been riding a lot of weekends and it's going quite well so far.”

As Paton explained this is one of the most competitive series in the UK and nobody who joins the series goes immediately to the front. The leaders are split between riders who have been in the championship a few years or have vast racing experience elsewhere. With the plan of taking the cup title before moving up and progressing towards the main championship, Paton is already off to a promising start.