Aussie Ant West admits a lack of confidence in his machine is costing him points. Image: MotoGP.com.

Australian Anthony West admits an on-going battle with front-end feeling in his QMMF Racing Team Speed Up machine is costing him the chance to contest for points in the Moto2 class.

Silverstone marked the third consecutive grand prix in which West, a highly-regarded senior talent, has not scored points.

Difficult qualifying sessions have only compounded the front-end issues, which are acting against a workable level of confidence in rear-end grip in corner exit and straight-line braking.

The Aussie was not optimistic about his chances heading into the race, and his doubts were reflected as he fought to salvage a 20th place finish.

“The race went the way I expected, not very good,” reflects West. “I had a good start and passed a few guys, but as soon as we came to the back straight, they passed me again.

“I passed a few more guys, but on the next straight the same thing happened. I wasn’t able to fight properly with the group, also because I’m having such a hard time feeling anything from the front.

“This has been the same for the last three races and here at Silverstone it was especially difficult to ride. We are quite far from the pace, two seconds from first is way too much.”

West felt his anticipation of the issue was forcing him to ride conservatively, and ultimately curtailing his chances of any real progress.

“I still feel like every time I enter into the corner I am going to crash, because I have no understanding what the front is doing,” he continued. “The rest is okay – I have good rear tyre grip on the corner exit and in straight-line braking, I can brake as well as anybody.

“But as soon as I start to enter into the turn, the feeling goes away and the bike doesn’t turn at all. That’s making it really difficult.”

Silverstone ends a run of three back-to-back grand prix weekends, with West hopeful the breathing room will allow him to reassess his approach and regain some lost confidence.

“It was my worst race this year and I need to try to get some of my lost confidence back. I want to try and relax and start fresh at the next race at Misano!”

He holds down 15th place on the Moto2 standings after the 11th round of the season.