Honda Racing’s Xavi Fores has revealed his first podium finish in today’s opening Bennetts British Superbike race felt as sweet as a victory.

And with a front row start for tomorrow’s second race, the Spaniard believes more rostrum joy could be on the cards.

Fores, who was tipped to perform at Donington where he has previous world championship experience, powered through the pack in this afternoon’s first BSB scrap and fended off Tommy Bridewell and Jason O’Halloran to finish third – his best result in the series so far.

But the top Fireblade rider of the day, who finished eight places ahead of his team-mate Andrew Irwin, feels there could be more to come in tomorrow’s double-header.

“I was quite comfortable this weekend with my race pace,” Fores admitted. “Not so much with the flying lap or my qualifying lap but my race pace was so close and the bike was working well.

“I did a really good start and was able to get into the top six in the first corners and keep pace with the front riders. I did a good first laps but after many laps Scott overtake me and I try to push with him to catch Tarran, but I was struggling a little bit.

It’s like a victory for me. Coming from poor results at Oulton Park this feels like a victory for us, for me, for the team.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow and starting from third position, maybe it’s a little bit easier to stay at the front during the race.”