Bristol-based rider Alastair Fagan had a tough introduction to the world of British Superbikes in his first meeting at Brands Hatch.

Riding for the Red Viper Racing team on a 2009 Honda Fireblade bike, Fagan is in his first season having moved up from the British Supersport class.

The 27-year-old, who has been riding bikes since the age of three and racing since he was eight years old, finished sixth overall in the British Supersport Cup with three podium finishes.

This year, on a bike built by Chris Mehew, Alastair is up against the factory team giants and hoping to strike a blow for the privateers in this year's championship.

His ambition for the season is to win the Cup Class but, to do that, he'd have to beat Gary Mason, who has a substantial amount of experience and has dropped down from the factory team class.

Alastair, who also writes for Fast Bikes Magazine, said before the race: "I'm looking for a top-20 finish (out of 28), and a podium in the Cup class. Paddock Hill bend has been resurfaced and is very greasy so it will be tricky in the first race if it stays cold and damp."

After a good start in race one, holding off his team-mate Aaron Zanotti for much of the race, Alastair finished 22nd with Zanotti in 20th, with the win going to Sylvian Guintoli or Worx Crescent Suzuki.

In race two, Alastair again put in a dynamic performance but had problems with his bike in the last third of the race and was unable to finish.

It's early days for this British Superbikes newcomer, and he'll be doubly determined at the next round at Oulton Park, in Cheshire on May 4.