The Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki team head to Silverstone this weekend with the lead in both the British Superbike Championship and BSB Riders' Cup to defend.

John Hopkins reports his hand injury is vastly improved after further corrective surgery while team-mate Jon Kirkham is looking forward to capturing further podiums to add to his season's tally.

Jack Valentine - Team Manager:

"We're certainly ready for this next - penultimate - round. The last round at Donington Park was the best round of the year so far for us and both riders have certainly hit their top form at just the right time in the Championship.

"Hopper's been very vigilant as to the condition of his injured hand and with further surgery last week he's confident he's in the best condition to face this weekend's racing. JK meanwhile will be ordering 'more of the same' as the form he's enjoyed since Cadwell Park has made him a real headache for the other Title Fighters. He's doing everything a team-mate should in support of a Championship contender. I couldn't ask for more.

"As well, the team is as prepared as it can be. We know Silverstone well after our WSB wild card appearance there earlier this year. We took from that a lap-record-beating set-up that is also strong for the full 14 laps of a BSB race. It's a high-speed circuit so we've been working on the engine to find a few more horsepower - ideal for those long straights.

"It's going to be a testing weekend, though. We're not complacent and we know we need to be there at the end of every race, ideally at the top of the podium."