MCE British Superbike series leader Leon Haslam is fresh from a WorldSBK podium at Donington Park and is focused on this weekend’s outing at Knockhill, where he believes Shane Byrne and the Ducati Panigale will pose the biggest problem.

The pair shared wins at the Dunfermline track last year but Byrne may have the upper hand as he has had an - albeit wet - test there plus a dry test at Snetterton which Haslam missed due to a popped engine.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend; it has been a long time since the last race at Oulton Park with the break we have had and I have missed riding. I did have the wildcard ride in WorldSBK and it felt good to be on the podium there,” said Haslam.

“I think going from one spec to the other, it is easier coming back to BSB than when you go the other way because the limits of the bike are easier to find here, where it is more down to the rider than the electronics and trusting them.

“The test at Snetterton was frustrating for us last week as I only had a handful of laps, but I know that the team will be ready for Knockhill and we will come out fighting. I really like Knockhill and have some good memories from there – I got my first win in the 125 Championship there, won race one last year and was leading race two until I had a problem with my visor. I love the track and coming off the last race at Oulton Park when I didn’t finish because of the crash, I want to bounce back.

“I think going into this weekend the main threat will be Shakey and the Ducati. The standings don’t show because he was out of the Donington races, he had the pace at Brands Hatch and then won at Oulton Park and the next the next two tracks they have tested at already. I believe they will come back strongly this weekend so it is down to us to carry on working hard and concentrate on what we need to do so that we are winning races again.”