CHRIS Burns is raring to go this weekend as the British Superbike Championship heads to Oulton Park. Following a successful test at Donington Park this week, the 27-year-old Newcastle rider is fired-up ahead of Bank Holiday Monday’s two races at the popular Cheshire circuit
On board the MV Agusta F4 312RR, Burns and the STP Motorsport outfit are looking to build on the success of the opening round at Thruxton two weeks ago, when the Geordie favourite crossed the line in second place in the Superbike Cup class.
“Tuesday’s test at Donington was excellent, we had a full day and it all went very well,” he said. “Mainly it was about getting in some valuable test time and learning more and more about how the MV works. We’re the first team to try running this bike in this class, so it’s a massive learning curve for all of us.
“We’re still not there, it’s fair to say the bike is going to remain almost standard until after Brands Hatch, but I know we will be getting that vital extra horsepower soon. Until then we are going out there and absorbing as much information as we possibly can so that we’re ready when the extra power arrives.”
After taking his first podium in six years at Thruxton, Burns is keen to get back on the steps, but hopes this weekend could see him up there on the top.
“I had almost forgotten what it was like to get a podium, it has been so long! Not only was I pleased to be top three, I was happier than ever because it was a result we didn’t expect at a track like Thruxton. If we can do that while we’re way down on power, imagine what we can do when we’ve got the full competitive package?
“I have to admit I’m feeling happy and confident with my riding for the first time in about six years. I’ve made some bad decisions since I left Superstock in 2002, and I had got to the point where racing just didn’t excite me anymore.
“But Warwick Nowland and the STP team have been brilliant. They have faith in me, which in turn leads me to have faith in them. We all want the same thing and we’re all working very hard to get there. We don’t expect it to come easily, but we know it will be all the better when we do get there.”
