Donington BSB: Hopkins leads showdown with double win

Samsung Suzuki rider John Hopkins has won the second race at Donington Park today to do the double and move to the top of the championship standings with two rounds remaining.

Swan Yamaha rider Tommy Hill finished second, to stay within three points of Hopkins.

The race could have been very different were it not for a first corner incident involving Michael Laverty and Shane Byrne. Laverty got the inside line into the first corner but lost the front, collecting Byrne on the way to the gravel trap.

Both riders managed to rejoin the race but they were far behind the pack. Both riders scored valuable points, Byrne finishing eighth and Laverty 14th.

Ryuichi Kiyonari had a better second race after replacing the failed engine from the first race. Kiyonari was on course for a podium after the first few laps, but he was unable to keep up with the leaders and he faded towards the end of the race, eventually finishing sixth.

TAS Suzuki rider Josh Brookes finished fifth after a race-long battle with Martin Jessopp onboard the Ducati, who finished fourth.

Samsung Suzuki rider John Kirkham finished third.

Showdown standings

John Hopkins 568
Tommy Hill 565
Shane Byrne 543
Michael Laverty 532
Josh Brookes 530
Ryuichi Kiyonari 518