FIVE STEPS TO GOING FAST...

(if you’re already pretty handy on track)

1 Use the tank. Holding onto a Superbike is hard work so you want to make it as easy as possible, I mean howmany times do you go out on track and come in tired? You won’t do it automatically but take a few sessions to really use your legs to get the bike moved around. The more you try, the more natural it becomes!

2 Try different lines and gears. You may go out on track, get in a rhythm and stay there for the whole day, but as you get faster you need to be more adventurous. When you try something, like a different gear for a corner, I always do it for three laps; the first lap will always feel strange so you’ll be put off, but a second and a third time will definitely tell you if it’s the right way to be going!

3 Use the entire track. This is important, as every time I go out people can shave off easy time with no problem at all! You may think you’re making the most of the tarmac, but a lot of the time there will be at least a foot of gap, meaning you need to try and be fromwhite line to white line. Especially at the apex; aim the bike for the kerb rather than your knee!

4 Work on your riding style, and not just for the photos! I’ve changed my style so much over the past ten years and it makes a monumental difference. Get as much weight off and out the side of the bike as possible and make sure you get the bikes upright and out the corner. It’s the key to quick lap times nowadays, especially on the powerful modern bikes.

5 Enjoy! A happy rider is a fast rider, trust me on that. Make a good day of it, laugh, joke, and don’t be hard on yourself. A smile is worth half a second in itself!