Hickman: More pressure on chasing pack

Peter Hickman says there is greater pressure on the bunch of riders aiming to take his spot in the Bennetts British Superbike Showdown and is optimistic of a strong showing at Silverstone.

The Smiths Racing BMW rider has vaulted into the top six spots heading into the final round of the regular season thanks to strong showings at Thruxton and Cadwell Park to move up to sixth place with a seven-point gap on nearest challenger Danny Buchan on the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki.

But with 34 points splitting him in the final Showdown spot to Tyco BMW’s Michael Laverty down in 11^th – with exception of the injured Shane Byrne – Hickman accepts he isn’t in a comfortable position compared to when he secured his maiden BSB Showdown appearance last year.

“The pressure is on all of us for Silverstone really,” Hickman said. “It is only seven points from me to Danny and 15 to me Christian, whereas last year I went into the round with a 30 point lead over seventh so last year I was a bit safe – this year I am definitely not safe.

“I think the pressure is more on them as they have to be in front of me. They have to pull out a good result to overhaul me and I have to pull out a result to be in front of them.”

Hickman is also hopeful his strong recent record at Silverstone, having taken a podium and a win at the track over the past three years, gives him an added edge despite the switch to the National circuit following safety concerns on the resurfaced Grand Prix track which saw the cancellation of last month’s British MotoGP in heavy rain.

“Silverstone has been good to me in the past so fingers crossed it all goes good for us,” he said. “I have to take it race by race, it is going to be interesting with three races and the points that are available, I have a bit more of a cushion over Jason [O’Halloran] but I need to stay ahead of Christian [Iddon] and Danny. I need to be ahead or one place behind them as it would still mean I finish in front.”