Samsung Honda's Michael Laverty has recognised that podiums alone are not enough to seize this year's MCE British Superbike crown now the series is in the Showdown stage.

The Toomebridge man goes into this weekend's Assen round after a successful test there a couple of months ago and says this is where the talking stops and the championship starts.

“I am sure there isn’t a racer in the world that would turn down the chance to race at Assen and I love the circuit. It is going to be a level playing field, as in the UK everyone has various experiences of circuits whereas at Assen we all start the same. At Donington we took a step forward and were closer to winning again and now we just need to do some fine tuning for Assen," said Laverty.

“If you look back at the last few rounds Shakey did the double at Brands Hatch, Tommy had the double at Cadwell Park and then Josh did it at Donington and I hope that now it will be out turn at Assen. We are all riding at the top of our game and now it is the Showdown third places are not enough, we need wins. I am looking forward to taking our circus to Europe and putting on a great show, we are pumped up for this event and the talking stops now.”