Round six of the Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup saw John McGuinness leave Silverstone with strong finishes in both races to consolidate fifth in the championship.

Seventh in free practice on Friday, McGuinness bettered his time by almost a second in the afternoon’s qualifying session on the Blue Earth Construction Ducati but remained seventh overall. Lining up at the head of the third row for Saturday’s 15-lap race around the 1.64-mile National circuit.

A solid start enabled the 23-time Isle of Man TT winner to maintain his seventh place and although he lost a place to Alberto Solera next time around, Craig Neve retired shortly afterwards to return him to the position.

Comfortably clear of the group of riders behind, a surprise lap 10 crash for race leader Josh Day promoted him to sixth which was where he finished, adding a further 10 points to his championship tally.

Sunday’s race was scheduled to be held over the same distance and thanks to a good start he sat sixth at the completion of the opening lap. However, the red flag was out shortly afterwards when the Morecambe rider’s regular sparring partner Sam Cox crashed out.

The race was re-started over just six laps and although he wasn’t able to make as good a start this time around, he enjoyed a good battle with Solera and Neve to take the chequered flag in eighth place. Consolidating his fifth place in the championship standings.

“It’s been an enjoyable weekend with some good weather and two more strong finishes,” McGuinness said of his Silverstone visit. “Saturday’s race was a bit lonely and it was a surprise to see Josh crash out but it helped put me up to sixth and with Craig retiring, I was able to pull away from him in the championship standings.

“The red flag hurt me a bit in Sunday’s race and with the race being just six laps and with 57s laps, it was over before it had really begun! I wasn’t able to make as good a start but I had a good battle with Albert and Craig and although they beat me, Craig only regained one point. The bike’s working well and we’ve had no issues so big thanks to all the guys and girls in the team for keeping everything ticking.”