JAKE Archer was looking to further build his confidence with the new Moto2 machine at Oulton Park last weekend, writes JEREMY RYAN.

Racing within the British Supersport category the GP2 machines score points in their own championship.

Qualifying saw the Andover rider finish 26th in 1:43.726.

In the 10 lap sprint race, starting so far back it was difficult to make progress in the initial laps.

He started to close in on the riders in front including two fellow GP2 riders in De Vries and Boerboom. He managed to pick off De Vries in the closing laps, but crossed the line seventh in the GP2 class and just three-tenths behind Boerboom.

In the feature race, Archer struggled again at the start dropping three places on the first lap.

He then got his head down and before an incident on lap 10 brought an end to the race with him in sixth in the GP2 class.

Archer said, β€œIt was a really good weekend. There is still a lot to learn with this Moto2 machine but I feel very positive about the direction we are heading.

"We continued to improve throughout the weekend. Thanks to Kovara Projects, Euroclad and all my sponsors for their amazing support.”

Archer will be back in Moto2 action in round three at Donington Park on the weekend of May 24/26 26.