Tommy Hill doesn’t think John Hopkins’s recent experience of racing around Silverstone will improve his chances ahead of a crucial second British Superbike title showdown round.

Two solid podiums at Donington Park, compared with two wins for Hopkins, saw Hill slip behind his Suzuki rival in the overall standings, with only five races – two at Silverstone, three at Brands Hatch – remaining.

Furthermore, Hopkins competed at Silverstone just two months ago with a stunning turn on the World Superbike stage, suggesting he is the man to beat heading into the weekend.

However, Hill is unmoved by this, insisting his Swan Yamaha package is capable of being fast from the outset, while the shared data with the World Superbike team should ensure he is quickly up to speed.

“I am ready for Silverstone and the next two races; coming from a consistent last round at Donington Park I want to go better again this weekend. The points and two podiums were important there for the championship but at this point of the season we need to be winning and staying ahead of the other Title Fighters.

“We need to find a little bit extra for Silverstone, but we know from the World Superbike round that the Yamahas had a good pace there, so hopefully we can replicate that when we kick things off with free practice. Again, it doesn’t worry me that other teams have been to Silverstone already, as we know we have a good starting point and we will only improve before the races.

“It is important now that we step up the game again and move forward to try and takes those two wins. If anything finishing second at the last round has made me even hungrier for wins at Silverstone.”