Tommy Hill may lead the BSB standings heading into the Title Showdown, which starts this weekend at Donington Park, but knows anything can happen after last year’s title loss.

Hill was leading the championship heading into the final 2010 round, but dropped to third after a race two crash also meant his Suzuki was too severely damaged to start race three.

Now at Swan Yamaha, the Englishman has overcome early-season injuries to put his BSB title dream within sight once again.

Hill will start the first of the three Showdown rounds, at Donington Park on Sunday, with a seven-point advantage over former double champion Shane Byrne (Honda).

But with the top four riders all within one-race win, after their points were equalised and podium credits added for the start of the Showdown, Hill is taking nothing for granted.

“It feels good to be leading going into the Showdown but this is racing and anything can happen, we know how fast things can change,” said Hill from Lingfield.

The last time I rode at Donington Park was in 2007 but we know that we have a strong package with the Swan Yamaha and we are full of confidence ahead of the event.

“I am taking the Showdown race by race and we need to remain consistent – but not too consistent as every point is crucial and we need to be finishing ahead of the other Title Fighters to maintain our position.”

Team-mate Michael Laverty holds fourth in the standings, 19 points from Hill.

“I am looking forward to it as Donington Park has always been one of my favourite tracks,” said Laverty.

“I think some of the changes we made at Cadwell Park just clicked and that little bit extra we were looking for we found.

“We did a few laps around there a few weeks’ back and we know we have good pace so I am feeling ready for the races. The whole season is about building for the Showdown and I am mentally prepared for it and I just want to get stuck in now for those wins.

“We need to try and win every race as inevitably whoever wins the most is going to be champion. We need to be riding on the edge and taking those chances to win as the last seven races are the most important of the season.”