Buildbase Suzuki’s Luke Stapleford yesterday showed some of the form that carried him to a British Supersport Championship, leading the second Bennetts Superbike race and only losing out on a podium by 0.039s.

Stapleford has had a tough season on the GSX-R but gave a good account of himself in Holland, leading the second race for the first four laps but staying in the podium scrap.

“In the first race I felt comfortable behind Josh, and saw from the board that we had a gap to fourth,” said Stapleford.

So the plan was to sit behind him and maybe have a go in the last few laps. But I then saw that Jason was catching so I had a go at getting past, Josh had a go back, and it cost us time and I couldn’t get into a rhythm.

“I think if I could have settled into it I could have created enough of a gap to hold it but I got mugged on the last lap. It was disappointing, despite being a good result and the best of the year because I felt I should have been on the podium; we had the pace.

“In race two it was good to lead. We couldn’t match the leaders in the end though. But we have to be happy and come away smiling. We’ve not done a lot of it this year as it’s been difficult, but the last few rounds have been a lot better for the team and hopefully this can continue at the final two rounds.”