Title beckons for Brogan at Silverstone this weekend

HM Plant Honda has arrived at Silverstone looking to wrap up the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 title with Steve Brogan.

The racer from Liverpool needs to finish fourth - if title-rival Jon Kirkham wins the race - to take the championship for himself and the new-for-2008 CBR1000RR Fireblade. At the previous round at Croft, Brogan broke two bones in his right foot. Despite the two-week healing process, the team has decided to withdraw Steve from the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport championship and given his HM Plant Honda CBR600RR to talented youngster Billy Mellor. Mellor, 18, from Barnsley has previously raced Minimotos, pocket bikes, 125cc two-strokes and most recently a 600cc Supersport machine in the MRO series. Despite being told by the team that he is under no pressure to perform this weekend, the youngster will be aiming to impress in his first ride at this level.

Steve Brogan - HM Plant Honda

British Superstock - Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

"It's a shame to miss out on the Supersport race, but we've got a title to win first and foremost. My approach to the weekend for the Superstock race will be completely normal: I want to be fastest in every session. If we have the pace in practice and qualifying then there's no reason why we can't win the race. I'll see if the foot is hindering me anywhere out on track really and go from there. For me the worst-case scenario is a podium - minimum. I've been chasing this title for a number of years now, so this is my time. Hopefully, after wrapping up the championship and with some more rest I can get back on the HM Plant CBR600RR for the final round at Brands in October."

Billy Mellor - HM Plant Honda

British Supersport - Honda CBR600RR

"For me, this whole weekend is both exciting and daunting! To be here at national level is big step up for us, and I'm so excited and more that a little bit nervous! I just can't wait to get on with it tomorrow. I've ridden on the National circuit here, so not the one used by the British Superbike championship, but I just want to go out and enjoy the experience and not come last!"

Havier Beltran - HM Plant Honda team manager

"We decided to sit Steve out of the Supersport race and replace him with Billy - a young rider with a lot of talent. We feel that this puts less pressure on Steve, so he can do what he needs to do to take the Superstock title as we're not in contention for the 2008 Supersport title. We hope that his foot doesn't give him too much trouble this weekend and that he can do what he needs to wrap-up the championship. For Billy, there's no pressure on him for results, it's simply an opportunity for him to get experience at this level."