British Superbike riders Ryuichi Kiyonari and Karl Harris and National Superstock rider John McGuinness recently attended an official test at the 2.69-mile track and are anticipating good results at the Cheshire venue.

Two-weeks ago both Kiyonari and Harris made it onto the BSB rostrum, each with a third place finish at Thruxton circuit, while McGuinness scored his best National Superstock result this season by finishing fifth.

In 2005, Kiyonari was unable to compete at the first meeting at Oulton Park after sustaining a slight concussion the previous week at Mallory Park. But, on his return to the venue in September, the Japanese rider scored a double win ahead of the current series leader Gregorio Lavilla; something that he will no doubt be aiming to repeat this weekend.

Team mate Karl Harris, who currently lies in fourth place in the championship, scored his two best finishes at Oulton Park in 2005 with a pair of third places. The Sheffield-based rider, who counts the track as one of his favourites, will be going all out in search of his first British Superbike win aboard his Michelin-shod Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Meanwhile, National Superstock rider John McGuinness will be competing in his final superstock race before heading to Ireland for the North West 200 (7-13 May). The Morecambe-based rider, who has been showing consistently improving form aboard his HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, is also a fan of the dramatic venue and hopes that it will yield his first rostrum finish of the season.

Neil Tuxworth, Manager–Honda Racing: “Both teams had a beneficial test here last week concentrating on set-up and tyre evaluations ahead of this weekend’s meeting. It is always helpful to be able to test at a circuit so near to the race and we are anticipating some rewarding results at Oulton Park.”

Qualifying for the fourth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place on Sunday 30 April at 15.05 with racing at 13.30 and 16.15 on Monday 1 May. Qualifying for the fourth round of the Metzeler National Superstock Championship takes place on Saturday 29 April at 15.10 and Sunday 30 April 16.05, with racing at 15.05 on Monday 1 May. The ITV television broadcast window is Monday 1 May 15.00 – 17.00.