Moto Rapido Ducati’s Jakub Smrz only went out in the final MCE British Superbike test session at a windy and cold Donington Park yesterday, but even with his limited track time he still managed to set the fourth quickest time of a 1’31.388, and that was down to his team improving the engine braking on his Panigale.

The former World Superbike racer decided not to go out in the morning sessions because of the low temperatures and wet conditions. Smrz was also not focusing too much on his lap times, as he felt that all the riders were off the pace, and that it wont mean too much when it comes to the opening BSB round at the track in a few days time.

“It was OK, but it was pretty difficult because of weather conditions and I only went out in the last session. But it was not bad, and the conditions were not good, so everyone was far away from a good pace,” said Smrz, speaking to bikesportnews.com.

“But we changed a few things and improved the bike a bit and the position was not too bad. We changed the engine braking, and improved it a little. I don’t think the times are important but we can be competitive in the race next week, and we can do pretty well. I feel that we are ready and I feel confident - and the team are working well and I am feeling positive for race one.”