Reigning British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill had installed himself at the top of the championship table after a win, fourth and second-pace finishes at Oulton Park this weekend.

The Swan Yamaha man from Kent edged out team-mate Noriyuki Haga in yesterday’s first outing, couldn’t quite get to grips with drying conditions in the first race of today but then looked like he had the pace to win in leg three, only to be outpaced by Shane Byrne.

“It was a frustrating first race with the conditions changing, but it was the same for everyone. Fourth place was not quite a podium but still consistent points for the championship and that is what we need. Fortunately it stayed dry for the last race and the Swan Yamaha was working really well and I dropped a couple of places but just stayed calm and then got into a rhythm,” said Hill.

“By the time I pulled in Stuart I had used the best of my tyre and it became harder work. Byrne then hunted me down and I tried to defend it but that was the best I had at that stage of the race. I am happy with our results with a win, a fourth and a second place and the championship lead. We probably had the most consistent weekend of all our rivals and that is what is important.”

Championship points:

1 Tommy Hill Swan Yamaha 98

2 Josh Brookes Tyco Suzuki 92

3 Shane Byrne Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki 88

4 Stuart Easton Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki 88

5 Ian Lowry Padgett’s Honda 52

6 Alastair Seeley Tyco Suzuki 49