Bennetts Suzuki’s Richard Cooper reckons he is ready for the opening Pirelli National Superstock 1000 race right now after successful tests in Spain.

The Nottinghamshire rider goes into this year’s series as a title contender and thinks the bike’s combination of speed and consistency will make it a string package from the off.

“We’ve had a really good test, for everybody really. The bike’s not missed a beat and it was good to finally be able to ride at pace and not be so tentative. We spent a lot of time playing about with it to see what works and what doesn’t. Our pace over one lap is good and also over race runs of 22-25 laps,” said Cooper.

“Our pace on used tyres is good and really important, too. I was actually surprised how little we lost over race distance on one rear tyre. Lap times were really consistent, which we’re really pleased about. The bike’s strength is definitely from the middle of the corner to how it finishes a turn. Which is good as that carries you onto the straights. If round one was next weekend I’d be ready to go. The next test will be good to see all of our rivals on track, and also work on a setting specific for Donington Park, but I’m feeling really positive and looking forward to racing now.”