ADAM Jenkinson’s perseverance was rewarded on Sunday when he finished fourth in the National Superstock 1000 Championship race at Silverstone.

The Knutsford rider, on a second outing aboard his new Northern Escalator Installations-backed BMW, battled a gearing problem to stay in contention with his rivals.

He said: “I hung in as best I could.

“I’m disappointed not to have taken a podium place, but to be that close while encountering a problem shows how well we’re doing.

“I lost the quick-shifter on the first lap, which meant I lost time when I changed down the gears.

“I had to roll off the throttle while going through corners, so I’m surprised the gap to the guys in front didn’t get wider.”

Jenkinson failed to register a time during Saturday’s first qualifying session, but recovered to third fastest during the second following a circuit of 2.08.857.

Pole-sitter Josh Elliott (Morello Racing Kawasaki) was only 0.2secs quicker.

Jenkinson slotted into fourth spot at the end of the first lap of Sunday’s race, slipping to fifth by the halfway point.

He stayed close to those around him for the remainder, although without being able to pass.

However when Alastair Seeley ran wide on the final lap, the 31-year-old recaptured fourth place.

He said: “Silverstone has always been a bit of a bogey circuit for me, so I’m happy to lay that to rest.

“I love the BMW; its speed and handling are excellent, and the bike really suits by style.

“Spending more time on it at the weekend has been a big confidence boost.”