Rea wins Race 1, Laverty and Camier on the podium
Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike) won Race 1 of the eni FIM Superbike Championship at Silverstone in spectacular fashion. The Brit got back on the top step of the podium after more than a year, as his previous win dated back to 2012 (Donington Park Race 1). Rea pulled away from the chasing pack on lap 7, as the rain started to fall heavier on the track.
The race was reduced by one lap due to the delayed start and was characterised by intermittent conditions, that played a key factor and brought to constant and unpredictable position changes throughout the 17 laps. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) managed to get back in contention for the podium in the closing stages, to edge Leon Camier from second place during the final lap. Camier delivered his and FIXI Crescent Suzuki Team's first podium of the season on his 27th birthday.
Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team), 4th at the flag, managed to extend his leadership in the points up to twelve points, as his main rival for the title Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) ended up 11th behind BMW Motorrad GoldBet duo of Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies. Guintoli was able to defend his position from fellow Frenchmen Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Jules Cluzel (FIXI Crescent Suzuki), both able to stay with the front runners and to battle for the podium.
