By Glenn LeSanto

Neil Hodgson got the win he’s been waiting for in the first race at the Donington round of the World Superbike Championship. The GSE Ducati rider swept into the lead early in the race with fellow Brit Steve Hislop close behind. But the frantic pace set by Hodgson in the damp conditions proved too much for wild card rider Hislop, who took to the grass and dropped back to sixth place. As Hodgson roared home to take the checkered flag Scotsman Hislop fought his way back through the pack and got up to second place. But on the last corner Italian Suzuki rider Pierfrancesco Chili nipped inside to deny the Scot the runner-up spot.

Championship points leader Troy Bayliss had a difficult race, sliding backwards through the field after a good start. The Australian suffered tire problems and finished back in 13th. The Ducati Infostrada rider finished behind rival Australian Troy Corser, who brought his Aprilia home in 11th. Reigning World Champion Colin Edwards was fifth, behind his Castrol Honda teammate Tady Okada in fourth.

1. Neil Hodgson, GB, Ducati, 39:46.490
2. Pierfrancesco Chili, Italy, Suzuki, 39:49.182
3. Steve Hislop, GB, Ducati, 39:49.320
4. Tady Okada, Japan, Honda, 39:50.508,
5. Colin Edwards, USA, Honda, 39:51.131
6. Ben Bostrom, USA, Ducati, 39:51.883
7. Ruben Xaus, Spain, Ducati, 39:58.560
8. James Toseland, GB, Ducati, 40:07.263
9. Stephane Chambon, France, Suzuki, 40:07.465
10. Gregorio Lavilla, Spain, Kawasaki, 40:11.106