ADAM Jenkinson begins his latest bid to be crowned a national champion this weekend buoyed by topping the timesheet during a pre-season test on Thursday.

The Knutsford rider was quickest of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship contenders on track at Donington Park, setting a fastest lap of 1:32.573.

Closest rival Hudson Kennaugh was more than a second slower.

They will renew rivalry at the same circuit in the campaign’s opening race on Easter Monday.

Jenkinson, on board a Northern Escalator Installations-prepared Yamaha R1, had been encouraged by the machine’s performance during a test in Spain before arriving at Donington.

After finishing as runner-up in the series two years ago, it is no surprise he is hoping to go one better this time around.

“The superstock class is one I feel at home in,” he said.

“Having got so close in 2013, I’m going all out for the title this year.

“It won’t be easy, because the series always provides hard, close racing.

“But we’re in a strong position and I’m up for the challenge.”

Jenkinson, 30, switched to the Halifax-based team part-way through last season, completing the series on a Kawasaki.

They will have access to technical support from SMR Performance, who will spearhead the Japanese manufacturer’s assault on the British Superbike Championship with Josh Brookes and Broc Parkes.

Easter Monday’s 16-lap race is scheduled to start at 10.30am.

Two, 25-minute qualifying sessions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.