Guintoli makes stellar start at Brands Hatch

Sylvain Guintoli claimed first- and second-placed finishes on his British Superbikes debut at Brands Hatch to lead the standings after two races. Guintoli, who has joined from MotoGP, claimed a dominant victory in the opening race of the day before putting in another impressive display to finish runner-up in the second.

That gave the Suzuki rider a return of 45 points for the day, seven ahead of Yamaha rival Leon Camier, who won race two despite Yamaha having completed no pre-season testing.

Guintoli said: "Today has been completely enjoyable for me and I have loved every minute of my first weekend in BSB. In the second race my start was not as bad as the first, but it still needs to improve. I struggled a bit with grip towards the end but I was trying to ride as smoothly as possible. Most of us were all over the shop at times trying to get in front and I wanted to win that second race too, but to leave the first round leading the championship is not bad at all. I can't wait to get out again at Oulton Park now."

Camier was amazed at his unlikely victory in the second race. "I can't believe it. I just am amazed with how this weekend has gone for us," he said. "We had no testing on the Airwaves Yamaha but we stayed positive and we have been consistent this weekend which has really been the key. I need to thank everyone at GSE Racing."

Glen Richards and Stuart Easton took second and third in the opener, with Steve Plater coming in third in race two.