Tommy Hill keen to put British Superbikes title hopes back on track

Tommy Hill has pledged to get his British Superbikes title hopes back on track after seeing his dominant lead at the beginning of the season demolished over the past few weeks. The Suzuki rider was the most consistent finisher in the opening eight races, finishing on the podium all but once and that was due to an uncharacteristic crash in the opening race at Cadwell Park. However, over the next three races, Hill failed to return to the top three after being hit by mechanical issues and bad luck which has seen his 34-point lead overtaken. He now sits behind Josh Brookes in the overall standings by four points ahead of this weekend's event at Snetterton. "We have had a run of bad luck in the last two rounds; there is no getting around that," said Hill. "At Mallory Park I made a mistake in qualifying which cost us and then we had a few issues which meant we had to start race two down the grid. We definitely had the potential to finish on the podium, but it was just one of those things. "For race two it was a big ask to make it up to the front so I was happy to get some points and look to Knockhill. I was on the front row there and the bike was working well and I was feeling really confident, but then luck wasn't on our side again and we had a few problems which we couldn't solve." Hill realises how the stakes can change and he arrives at Snetterton knowing that he still sits comfortably inside the all-important top six and has scored the most podium credits to date. "We come here with our heads held high," he said. "Yes, we slipped to second if you look at the overall standings, but if you look at the bigger picture we are in the top six and have the most podium credits – so if it was 'The Showdown' now, we would be the championship leaders. That is what matters, being consistently on the podium so when it comes to it we are in the best position. "I had a big lead and you can see how fast the order can change so I need to be back on the podium at least to get some more of those podium credits. Everyone wants to see a close fight for the title and I think that is what they are going to get; it's certainly going to be close but I am ready." HM Plant Honda's Brookes, though, is keeping his cool ahead of this weekend's triple-header round but has vowed to keep Hill and his other rivals behind him in Norfolk. "I want to get back out this weekend and maintain the position in the championship, so it is business as usual for me and the team," said Brookes. "I had the crash during testing last week but I can't see it being a problem here – I felt beaten up afterwards but I am feeling better now. "I had two podium finishes at Snetterton last year, but I know that there are lots of guys that will be strong; Kiyo [Ryuichi Kiyonari] is getting faster in every round and Tommy is going to want to make a comeback after the last round. I just need to do my own thing, get the most out of the Fireblade and get the best results I can for myself and the team."