Robbie went into Silverstone with almost everything to gain on a circuit he had never ridden before. Robbie has in the past rode the Silverstone circuit but as he was out of action in 2010 the circuit had a multi-million pound makeover which made the track almost unrecognizable in places.

With Alexey Ivanov still out with injury, it was left to Robbie to fly the flag for Ducati Manchester for the penultimate round of the Ducati 848 Challenge at Castle Combe.

The team went into the weekend with firm beliefs they could fight for the win at Cadwell Park and, although the weekend started out well with Robbie topping the time sheets in the wet. The dry proved tough for Robbie who was complaining of front grip issues.