Machine problems in final qualifying meant that the local man had to start from 6th on the grid. “I am a bit disappointed that I am not on the front row this weekend. We had another issue with the machine which is quite annoying. On my last outing when we were going to push the pace, I ran into problems with the bike and didn’t manage to improve my lap times. I really like the circuit here, even though the conditions are quite hard I have no problems with them. Normally I am quite nervous about race day, but I’m excited now and want to make it successful. I’ll be there,” said Jonathan after qualifying.

He was right, although it didn’t go quite to plan as his HANNspree Ten Kate Honda developed a gearbox problem minutes before the race was due to start and he had to switch to his spare bike. After a good start Jonathan came through in fifth position. A crash from Brookes on the opening lap and Parkes on lap nine, saw the 20 year old moving into third position. He held third to the end of the race to finish behind Craig Jones and Andrew Pitt for his second podium of the year. He now lies 7th in the championship on 67 points behind team mate Pitt on 113 points.

“I want to thank my mechanics for all the work they have done over the weekend. I had a problem all weekend and the guys worked night and day to resolve them.

We started the race with a bit of a problem, but to finish third on a bad day is not a bad thing. Some of our rivals had some bad luck. It has giving me the motivation for the next round in Brno. I really like the circuit here and think we should have capitalised a bit more but third is not a bad result.

I want to congratulate Andrew on his win. Two bikes on the podium is a good result for us.” Said a delighted Jonathan.