SIMON Buckmaster, Rizla Suzuki team manager, brings us up to date on the Verwood based riders' Sunday performance at Knockhill where Chris Stalker' Walker scored fifth and sixth places at the seventh round of the Bennetts British Superbike series on the Scottish circuit.

He said: "Chris did a very good job in some of the most difficult riding conditions I've ever witnessed.

"The rain didn't waste any time falling, the circuit was soaked with standing water and he used his vast experience to bring his Rizla Suzuki home safely in two good points-scoring positions.

"It was great to see him racing competitively and this will give the whole team a boost."

Simon continued: "Cal had high hopes for this round as it is one of his favourite circuits but he ended up struggling with the conditions, finishing with an 11th and a high-speed crash that left him unhurt.

"The learning curve for a Superbike rookie can be both unforgiving and punishing but we have every confidence he will pull through and look forward to sharing much better days with him."

And what's next?

"We now go to Croft for an official BSB test and hope the rain and flooding keeps away - we are past the halfway point of the season and really want to be strong in the remaining six rounds of the championship."

Championship positions (after seven of 13 rounds) 1, Kiyonari 248; 2, Rea 237; 3, Lavilla 220; 4, Haslam 205; 5, Byrne 151; 6, Camier 145; 7, Sykes 148; 8, Chris Walker (Rizla Suzuki) 104; 9, Hill 86; 10, Harris 79; 11, Cal Crutchlow (Rizla Suzuki) 56.