Michael Laverty captured the race win today at Brands Hatch during the first of three British Superbike races, but a podium finish by John Hopkins could keep the title out of his reach.
Laverty now trails Hopkins by thirty five points with two races left in the season. The American, who finished third for the day, extended his lead to 11 points over Tommy Hill, who took fourth.
"The main objective was to beat Tommy," Hopkins said after the race. "I can't say that was one of the most enjoyable races I've had. I'd not ridden so tense and tight before. It was tough out there –what a showdown."
Josh Brookes finished 2nd during the race behind Laverty and dropped 2 points behind the Yamaha rider in the overall standings. Brookes and Laverty will be battling for the final spot on the podium during the next two races at Brands Hatch.
"Michael rode a perfect race," Brookes said. "I made up the ground that I had lost on the first two laps, got into a rhythm and caught him but he did not make a single mistake."
Race one results
- Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha)
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +0.396s
- John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +8.766s
- Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) +8.873s
- James Ellison (Sorrymate.com Honda) +9.007s
- Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) +11.681s
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings:
- John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) 625
- Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 614
- Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 590
- Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 588
- Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 575
- Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 521
