Silverstone BSB: Hopkins takes third showdown win

Samsung Crescent Suzuki rider John Hopkins has taken his third victory from three showdown races in the first race at Silverstone today.

Swan Yamaha’s Michael Laverty took to the lead from the start, but was unable to shake Hopkins, who stalked Laverty until he made his move to the front just over half way through the race.

Tommy Hill managed to keep in touch with the leading riders, but was unable to get close enough to make a move, finishing in third place. Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider Josh Brookes took fourth spot, with HM Plant Honda’s Shane Byrne in fifth.

Ryuichi Kiyonari had to take a ride-trough penalty after lining up at the wrong position on the grid, and he also pitted to swap his rear tyre for a qualifying tyre in the hopes of setting a fast lap to start higher up on the grid in the second race.

1 J. Hopkins Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki
2 M. Laverty Swan Yamaha
3 T. Hill Swan Yamaha
4 J. Brookes Relentless Suzuki
5 S. Byrne HM Plant Honda
6 G. Gowland (E) WFR Honda
7 A. Lowes Motorpoint Yamaha
8 M. Rutter Rapid Solicitors Ducati
9 M. Jessopp Rapid Solicitors Ducati
10 T. Bridewell Motorpoint Yamaha