Maidstone's Scott Smart got his Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship charge back on track at Thruxton – and insists the best is yet to come.

Smart, pictured, got off to a slow start at the season opener at Brands Hatch earlier this month, finishing 12th, but was back to his best as he crossed the line fifth in Hampshire.

The Moto Rapido Ducati star had struggled in qualifying, starting from the fourth row, but showed his quality to race through the pack.

He said: “We had a problem in the second qualifying session - we had a problem with the fuel pump - so I did a couple of laps but ended up pushing it half way across the airfield to get it back.

“Because we didn’t do the laps we ended up miles back on the grid."

Smart’s performance was a marked improvement on his Brands Hatch effort after suspension problems dogged him in Kent.

And the 34-year-old is adamant that his machinery problems are all behind him and he can challenge championship leader Steve Plater at Oulton Park in round three.

“The bike was a lot better here,” said Smart. “There is still stuff we need to do to the bike ahead of Oulton Park, but hopefully we can keep improving and get towards the front of the grid.”

British Eurosport 2 will be broadcasting every round of the 2010 MCEBritish Superbike Championship.The channels are available on Sky 411 andVirgin Media525.