JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Westmoreland will begin his MCE British Superbike season at this weekend’s Brands Hatch meeting after mechanical problems ruled him out of both Donington Park races.

The Yorkshireman was on the pace for most of free practice at the Leicestershire circuit and knows that a good grid spot is vital at the short Indy circuit as working through traffic not what you need to be doing.

“The Indy circuit has always traditionally been the opening round of the year, so after the problems at Donington I’m treating it as just that! Obviously not finishing both races was far from ideal, but mechanical problems are not something the team is known for so I know it was a one off. They’ve worked incredibly hard since Donington to completely rebuild the bike which means we can come out fighting and get the results we know we can,” said Westmoreland.

“Qualifying is always important, but it’s going to be vital to get through to the final session this weekend as with that many riders on the grid and the short nature of the circuit, times are going to be so close and we can’t afford to lose time fighting through the field. I quite like the Indy circuit and the team proved last year the ZX-10R can run at the front here so I’ll be looking to get a good setting Friday, qualify well Saturday and then get some results Sunday.”