WSB: Rea holds off Ducatis for opening win in Aragon

Jonathan Rea took victory in a dramatic opening World Superbike race at Aragon after managing to break free of a three-way Ducati battle for second place.

Drama struck in the early stages of the race as the red flag came out as Leon Camier crashed from his Red Bull Honda and was collected by Jordi Torres on the MV Agusta with Milwaukee Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori colliding with the stricken Honda. The British rider was reported to be conscious and was taken to hospital.

As the race re-started, Alex Lowes led the way in the early stages after a mistake for Jonathan Rea, but the Yamaha wouldn’t lead for long and soon dropped back. However, a battle would then ensure between Jonathan Rea and a trio of Ducatis with Barni rider Xavi Fores taking the lead at the mid-way point.
Rea would eventually break clear of the duelling Ducatis to take his second win of the year while Chaz Davies narrowly got the better of Xavi Fores for second place.

Marco Melandri finished fourth ahead of Michael Van Der Mark with Tom Sykes rounding out the top six.

Early race leader Alex Lowes finished seventh ahead of European Superstock 1000 champion Michael Rinaldi. The Kawasakis of Razgatlioglu and Roman Ramos.