Sykes breaks away to top day one

Tom Sykes has broken clear of the chasing field to take a clear top spot on the opening day of his home round of the World Superbike championship at Donington Park. The former World Champion finished the day’s unusual three sessions 0.1 ahead of Italian Davide Giugliano.

Giugliano, a late crasher in the session, was 0.2 ahead of the second of the factory Kawasakis of Jonathan Rea, splitting the green bikes and the home favourites.

Leon Haslam was fourth on the Red Devils Roma Aprilia, riding a strong race despite still suffering from broken ribs sustained two weeks ago at Imola. He led a trio of Brits, with Chaz Davies on the second factory Ducati and the Voltcom Suzuki of Alex Lowes making it five Brits in the top six.

Ayrton Badovini was seventh, ahead of Michael van der Mark, the MV Agusta of Leon Camier, continuing to enjoy a strong weekend, and with former BSB racer Matteo Baiocco rounding out the top ten.