Source: Supplied.

European Superstock 1000 contender Mike Jones believes his fourth place finish at Portimao’s fourth round confirms he’s making steps forward with a new riding style he has adopted in recent months.

The former Australian superbike champion, who scored his maiden podium at the previous round, was pleased to be on pace throughout the weekend, however was disappointed that a premature to end to race due to a red flag incident denied him of making it back-to-back top three results.

“It was a good weekend for us,” said Jones. “Coming off a podium in Germany, to be fast on such a different track is really positive and confirms the steps forward we made with my riding style.

“We’ve been strong both during practice and the race. I’m a bit disappointed with the way it panned out, as I was racing for the full distance and conserving the tyres. The red flag ruined my strategy a little bit, but both me and the team are going in the right direction and I’m looking forward to Magny Cours.”

The Aruba.it Racing – Junior Team rider has now advanced to fifth in the championship standings as just two rounds remain in the series, with the next stop slated for 29 September-1 October at Magny-Cours in France.