Gregorio Lavilla is playing down any particular advantage he may have over the competition as the World Superbike Championship returns to Brands Hatch, one of his most successful haunts in the British series.

Lavilla has endured a tough season on the Paul Bird-run Vent Axia VK Honda, the Spaniard scoring consistently but so far managing just a best of seventh place at Assen.

As such, many expect Lavilla to pose a stronger threat around Brands Hatch, a circuit he has performed well at before during his time in British Superbike Championship. However, as he points out, the fact he races there just once a year means he commands no particular advantage over his rivals.

Even so, Lavilla, who will be boosted by the arrival of new team-mate Chris Walker, is determined to score a good result this weekend, not least because his team will be in more familiar surroundings.

"The last thee years I have been racing in the UK, but It is not like I have been riding on the Brands Hatch full circuit more than anyone else in World Superbike. BSB goes to the full Brands once a year and so does WSB!

“The important thing for us at this meeting is that the team has experience at the track, which has not really been the case so far. I think the knowledge we all have of Brands will be a big help to us this weekend."