BRITISH Superbike rider Danny Buchan had a steady weekend at the Scottish round at Knockhill.

In the wet final free practice session, he managed to slot his Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati Panigali R into fourth place, behind Shane Byrne and Ruche Kiyonari, who are both multi-BSB champions.

His time was only 0.261 seconds behind first-placed Christian Iddon, who is also one of the most successful-ever off-road world and national British riders.

In qualifying, Buchan, from Burnham-on-Crouch, progressed to Superpole, holding ninth place throughout which put him on the third row of the grid for the first race.

As the lights went out for the start, he lost several places but by lap nine he had regained 11th place, contesting the middle order with McConnel, Irwin and Laverty.

As the race progressed, the leading group had gapped the chasing pack and left them to squabble among themselves.

Places see-sawed back and forth, with Buchan gaining a place and then losing a place to faster riders trying to get to the front.

He crossed the finishing line in 10th place, gaining six points towards the championship.

The weather had now turned to rain and the track was very wet, with a sharp wind making conditions difficult.

For the second race, Buchan started from the fourth row of the grid in 10th place.

However, he again lost places through the first few turns and was down to 16th at the end of lap one.

He steadily made up ground throughout the race, vying for places with Luke Mossey, Howie Mainwaring Smart and Tommy Bridewell, before taking the chequered flag in 11th place.

“I feel the results didn't quite show the work, effort and determination put in by my team," said Buchan.

“We came 10th and 11th in the races which was a step in the right direction, though, and we will get stronger."