BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Motorbikes | McWilliams happy with progress

BBC Sport Online columnist Jeremy McWilliams welcomes an upturn in his fortunes on the MotoGP circuit.

Brno brought us the best improvement of the season so far - I am just hoping things continue to move in the right direction for the remainder of the season.

The chief engineer of the Proton KR team, Tom O'Kane, designed and made a new suspension linkage that is based on the new chassis settings.

And he fitted the link into the standard chassis as this has always been the fastest bike in a straight line.

Bridgestone also worked hard over the four-week break and brought us new tyres to try, based on the ones which worked so well in Assen and Germany.

Former 500cc world champion Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene is battling against cancer

I am satisfied with both front and rear grip level and durability.

I had an advantage in Brno with Bridgestone rubber, but unfortunately I had to come from the back of the field after a disastrous first lap.

We will stay with the standard chassis now that the suspension works.

Before the link changes the bike would pump all over the place and destroy the rear tyre.

Qualifying has been fairly good for me this season and I think the present MotoGP system, held over two hours on two separate days, works well.

I do not like Superpole - it is not a true reflection of a race set-up and the company which makes the stickiest tyres win - at least for a lap!

I was sorry to hear about Barry Sheene contracting cancer - he is still a fighter and I hope he will win this battle. It is the news we all dread.

McWilliams believes Neil Hodgson is capable of beating Carl Fogarty's Superbike tally
Neil Hodgson will ride a Ducati factory machine

I know him because we meet in Australia every year and he is a laugh to work with, although he takes his television work very seriously. I wish him all the luck in the world.

No-one is filling Sheene's boots just yet and I do not see anyone doing so in the near future.

The MotoGP series is different from it was in his day and the depth of field is much stronger, but I am looking forward to winning at least one MotoGP soon.

Neil Hodgson has secured a factory Ducati ride for next year in World Superbike and I think he is capable of beating Carl Fogarty's tally.

He has got the drive and the experience is coming.

Next season is a long way away but already I am talking to both World Superbike and MotoGP teams. I will not be making a decision just yet.

Speak to you after Estoril.


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