Hawick’s Stuart Easton admitted his eyes are firmly set on James Ellison after twice climbing the podium during MCE Insurance British Superbike round eight at Brands Hatch.

The 26-year-old failed to pick up any points last time out at Mallory Park but was back to his consistent self at Brands Hatch finishing third in race one and two and fourth in race three.

Easton picked up 45 points in total at the Kent circuit to take his tally for the season to 218 – just 43 away from Airwaves Yamaha rider Ellison in second.

“I would love to win a race before the season is out – but my main aim is to finish second in the championship,” said Easton.

“If I achieve that then it will have to go down as a really successful season. I have pulled points back on James and I have to just keep chipping away at him.

“It was a bit disappointing he finished third and I finished fourth in the last race but my aim is to keep up with him and I believe that is more than possible.

“The bike is so fast at the minute and it’s got to the stage where small changes are making a big difference which is a good sign that everything is going in the right direction.”