Superbike: Hill regains lead in Fife but Byrne and Laverty take wins

Published on 25/06/2012 01:38

Shane Byrne and Michael Laverty claimed race wins in the latest round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Knockhill yesterday, while two podium finishes saw defending champion Tommy Hill return to the top of the overall standings.

Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) earned victory in the first race, finishing ahead of Hill with Laverty third on his Samsung Honda. That was enough for Hill (Swan Yamaha) to reclaim first place overall from Josh Brookes, who was fourth on his Tyco Suzuki.

Londoner Byrne said: “A win is what we were after so we are happy.”

In the second race, it was Laverty who took the chequered flag, with Byrne following up with second place and Hill third. Australian Brookes again had to settle for fourth.

“This weekend proves that we can be up fighting for the title too,” said Northern Irishman Laverty. “Our championship is really back on track now so we are looking forward to Oulton Park.”

In the overall standings after five rounds, Hill now has 159 points, six ahead of Byrne and nine clear of Brookes in third spot. Laverty is fourth on 122 points.

Englishman Hill said: “We can’t complain about the results this weekend; two podium finishes is a good result although, as a racer, you always want to win races.

“We have been consistent and I knew the races would be tough as you can never underestimate anybody as there are so many riders capable of winning.”