Reigning champion Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) has won the opening race after a titanic battle with his team mate Loris Baz at Donington Park.

Fighting back from a disastrous start Sykes gradually clawed back the deficit to claim his 17th career victory ahead of the young Frenchman with fellow Brit Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) taking a well deserved 3rd at the flag.

Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) crashed out of the leading group on the 16th lap leaving the two Kawasaki’s to fight it out, much to the delight of the crowd.

Marco Melandri (Aprilia Racing Team) was a lonely 4th ahead of Chaz Davies (Ducati Superbike Team) and Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike Team).

David Salom (Kawasaki Racing Team) was classified as the first of the EVO riders to be classified, finishing in 10th overall.

Christian Iddon (Team Alstare Bimota) and Eugene Laverty (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) crashed out of contention early on, thankfully without injury.