Scott Smart and the Moto Rapido Ducati British Superbike team made further progress with their 1199s Panigales at the Knockhill round as a some new con-rods and a different electronic setup gave the bike some of the punch out of corners it has been lacking all season.

After spending most the year so far testing in a race environment, Smart was able to ride the bike as he would like to and not struggle with trying to make up speed through corners and then losing time on the exit. Although there is still lots of work to do, some light can be seen at the end of the tunnel.

"We are now where we needed to start the season. It has been a lot of hard work and chewed nails but finally it is beginning to come good. I'm not having to wrestle the bike on corner exit now and I have had to use the rear brake on occasion so we have now got some of grunt we needed to try and keep up with the likes of Laverty," said Smart.

For the full story on how Smart and his team have developed the Panigales so far, get the new issue of bikesportnews.com, on sale Thursday.