"We made a number of improvement this weekend, and the progress we made showed during the second race, the bike was definitely better," said Goddard.

"We've had some trouble with the slipper clutch on down-changing," continued Goddard, "but we've got new ones coming in time for Brands Hatch and that should help make up some more time. Bit by bit we're making progress, things are moving in a positive direction for us."

Goddard enjoyed himself riding at Laguna; "The atmosphere here this weekend has been great and I had a good time battling for points in race two. I'm looking forward to riding again at Brands, where the atmosphere should match what we've experienced here in the USA."

The Benelli Sport team scored their first ever World Superbike points at Laguna Seca last year in only their second WSB meeting.