Chris Walker has moved to within touching distance of fourth position in the ViSK.com British Superbike standings after recording his second podium finish of the season at Mallory Park.

The Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha rider provided a star performance throughout the weekend after qualifying on the front row of the grid, before going on to lead both races from the start.

Battling it out for victory in the opening race alongside Simon Andrews and Tommy Hill, Walker's hopes of getting back on top of the podium were scuppered when he was caught up in the race ending pile-up.

Unable to stay upright before being collected by Karl Harris' sliding Hydrex Honda, Walker was hugely disappointed to miss out on a strong result.

"This game can be cruel sometimes! I had worked hard and kept myself out of trouble which is a big part of racing at Mallory and was settling in for the battle to the flag you expect, the next thing Brookes comes flying past me with no chance of stopping and wipes out all four of us!

“I took a blow from Karl Harris's bike and I hurt my pelvis which is a bit stiff, I guess you have to take these things on the chin and pick yourself up but it was a pretty low point.

Nonetheless, Walker showed his experience in the treacherous weather conditions of race two, leading in the early stages before eventually being usurped by the Airwaves Yamahas.

Even so, the multiple race winner was still able to hold onto third and while the half points awarded prevented him from climbing any higher than eighth in the standings overall, he is now just 16 points off fourth position.

“The boys worked great with the bike and we all deserved a couple of strong results the podium in the second wet race was just reward for all our hard work.

“We are getting closer with every race and expect to be battling for podiums for the rest of the season and just hope we have some luck soon that is two weeks on the trot I have taken a swipe from out of control bikes!"