Josh Brookes didn't start the first race at Brands Hatch in a favorable position, but the Relentless Suzuki rider soon rushed through the pack to claim his first victory of the 2011 British Superbike season. Brookes was joined on the podium by Michael Rutter and Garry Mason.
Brookes, who started from the fourth row, claimed victory by more than two seconds over Rutter. Brookes is now in fifth place in the overall standings ahead of Ryuichi Kiyonari.
"It was always going to be a tough race and everyone on the grid was rushing to get on intermediate tyres and that was what I had opted for so I felt that was the right choice," Brookes said. "I saw Michael (Rutter) had slicks on and knew he would be fast towards the end of the race. I pushed where I could and took it careful where necessary but it proves what a great team we have that we could work through these kind of situations."
John Hopkins, who finished fourth today, also took a big step up in the standings. Hopkins is now in second place between season leader Shane Byrne, and third place rider Tommy Hill. Both Byrne and Hill failed to score points during the first Brands Hatch race today.
Byrne and Hill both made a poor tire choice and had to return to the pits as the track dried. Neither rider took home any points during race 1, but they both earned front row positions for the tomorrow's race.
British Superbike - Brands Hatch - Race 1 Results
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 22m 53.718s
- Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors Bathams Ducati) + 2.072s
- Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +2.322s
- John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Suzuki) +6.022s
- Chris Walker (Pr1mo Kawasaki) +8.111s
- James Westmoreland (Motorpoint Yamaha) +10.783s
Championship positions
- Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 214pts
- John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Suzuki) 195pts
- Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 165pts
- Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 137pts
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 136pts
- Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 121pts
