Iddon needs strong Saturday to 'take the fight' to BSB title rivals

Heading into the British Superbike title decider behind Tarran Mackenzie and Jason O'Halloran, Christian Iddon knows he needs to stamp his authority on Saturday's opening race to 'take the fight' to the Yamahas.

Iddon, seeking to make it three BSB titles in a row for PBM after Scott Redding (2019) and Josh Brookes (2020), approaches the Brands Hatch Showdown just 5 points behind O'Halloran and 15 from Mackenzie.

The VisionTrack Ducati rider recently outscored the McAMS duo with three podiums in the Donington rain and won during BSB's earlier visit to Brands Hatch this season.

“It’s hard to believe we are at the final round already; it’s come around really quickly. We are in a good position just 15 points off the lead and after outscoring our rivals in the past few races, that’s what I need to do again this weekend," Iddon said.

"I’m fully aware of what I have to do, and I need to get a really strong result in Saturday’s race to take the fight to my rivals on Sunday.

"Brands is a track I seem to go well at, and the Ducati works well around there. There are lots of things that can happen, but I’ll just do my best to control what I can and see what happens come Sunday night.”

Meanwhile, two DNFs at Donington mean team-mate Brookes' title defence is already mathematically over, sitting seventh in the standings, 80-points from Mackenzie with only 75 still available.

The recently-married 38-year-old is aiming to end the season in style as he celebrates his 300th start at a track where he has won 19 times in the past.

“After the disappointment at Donington, things can only improve for Brands," said Brookes. "We can only hope to finish the season on a high, but it’s been tough to get the results we’ve been looking for all season. I know this weekend won’t be any easier.

"We had a good feeling with the bike there earlier in the year and I love the place so a combination of those factors could mean we have a good chance. It would be great to end the season well and we’ll have a better idea after we get started.

"The weather may also play a part as it’s that time of year so I’m feeling pretty positive.”