Donington BSB: Ellison takes the opening win of 2015

JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider James Ellison has taken the opening victory of the 2015 MCE British Superbike season, holding off reigning champion Shane Byrne to take the chequered flag by 0.131.

Speaking afterwards, Ellison said: “It was all about tyre degradation. Shakey ran a different tyre to me, and I felt like I could stay consistent to the end. I had to lead though, because he’s a hard man to pass!” 

The final podium spot went to the brand new Yamaha R1 of Josh Brookes, who powered through the field after a poor start, eventually catching and passing Honda Racing rider Dan Linfoot on the final lap to take the spot by only 0.058.

Linfoot, an early podium spot battler with newcomer Danny Buchan, who crashed out at the half way point on the Be Wiser Kawasaki, was able to pull clear of the chasing group of Peter Hickman, Tommy Bridewell, Christian Iddon and Chris Walker, who only just held off the second Tyco BMW of Michael Laverty in a last lap duel. Richard Cooper rounded out the top ten.

However, pre-race favourite Ryuichi Kiyonari had a shocking race, getting knocked wide in the opening turn and then seemingly struggling with issues all race long before eventually finishing fourteenth.