VICTOR Cox’s first season in the British Superbike Championship has come to an abrupt end, writes MATTHEW EDWARDS.

Just three rounds into his rookie campaign Cox has parted company with his team, Morello Racing Kawasaki, after his position became untenable.

The Trowbridge rider had competed in all six opening races, only failing to finish one, breaking once into the top 20 before leaving after round three at Oulton Park.

Despite the setback Cox was back on the bike last weekend as he returned to the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup at Donington Park.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances I was left in no position but to leave the team,” said Cox.

“It is my first full season and we were making good progress. I felt we had a lot more to give and things were looking quite positive. It’s unfortunate really because, for any rider, you never want to be left looking for a ride during the season.”

Cox received a late call -up to ride for Team Suzuki Europe at Donington Park as a temporary replacement for Dutch rider Nigel Walraven who suffered a back hernia.

The painter and decorator had to rush to make it for the second practice session but was pleased with how the weekend went.

“The first practice was Friday morning and I was asked at 11.20am if I would available to ride their bike at Donnington so I had three hours to get to Donington,” Cox explained.

“I missed the first practice session and got there 20 minutes before the second, where I met the team, went for a medical and filled in a lot of forms and just got in my kit with seconds to spare.

“There was not any time to make any adjustments it was just a case of jumping on the bike and riding.

“We made good progress over the weekend and I finished the race in 16th in front of my teammate, Wayne Tessel, which I was pleased about and I think with a bit more time we could have pushed for a top 10 finish.”

Cox will now prepare for the next round at Portimao’s Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on Sunday, June 7, but will also be trying to find a ride back in the British Superbike Championship.

“They have offered me the ride for the next two meetings and then Nigel will be coming back so it will only be for two races at the most,” added Cox.

“It is still nice because Suzuki are a great team, but at the minute I am chasing trying to get a ride in British Superbikes if I can and try and fulfil that.”