Honda Racing’s Dan Linfoot hasn’t given up all hope of lifting the 2016 MCE British Superbike crown but is being realistic in targeting third place as the gap to leader Shane Byrne is 53 points with five races left beginning at Assen this weekend.

Linfoot has yet to win a race but some consistent point scoring has seen him at the sharp end all season and a podium in the second race at Donington saw him leapfrog team-mate Jason O’Halloran, who was nerfed by Peter Hickman at the Old Hairpin and didn’t score.

“I’m feeling good heading to Assen, I love the circuit and this part of the season. We had a good result at Donington, race two was definitely better than race one and it’s moved us up in the standings and I really feel I’m able to challenge for further podiums and be with the leading group,” said Linfoot.

“We managed to pull out a podium finish when it mattered and when the pressure was on, which was important for the championship and was important for us to kick off the Showdown with a strong round. Ideally, this weekend we carry on our good form with two strong races and, of course, two podiums. If I was to finish the year third in the championship I’d be happy, of course the aim and dream is to win, but I’m being realistic now. I will be content with third place, but I am sure everyone else wants that spot too, so I’m going to have to fight to protect it.”