Penrith-based MCE Ducati had a challenging opening round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Silverstone.

Josh Brookes’ 11th-placed finish was the best result for Paul Bird’s team in the curtain raiser.

They will next head to Oulton Park for a test event in a bid to build on their Silverstone performance.

Johnny Mowatt, team co-ordinator, said: “We’ve clearly struggled this weekend and, it has to be said, more than we thought.

“It’s never been our greatest of tracks, but we didn’t think we’d be out of the points so fair play to the lads at the front, they set a terrific pace all weekend.

“They’ve moved on whereas we’ve stayed stagnant so it’s back to the drawing board.”