Relentless Suzuki by TAS and Josh Brookes secured their first win of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season at Brands Hatch this afternoon after a dramatic opening race that saw several of the leading contenders lose out.

As the conditions changed before the race the tyre choice was crucial and as the track continued to dry several of the riders were forced to pit and change to slick tyres during the race including HM Plant Honda's Shane 'Shakey' Byrne, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Tommy Hill with the title contenders ending the race 16th, 17th and 19th respectively.

More to follow.

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch Grand Prix, race one result:

Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS)
Michael Rutter (Rapid Solicitors-Bathams Ducati) +2.072s
Gary Mason (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +2.322s
John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +6.022s
Chris Walker (Pr1mo Racing Kawasaki) +8.111s
James Westmoreland (Motorpoint Yamaha) +10.783s
Graeme Gowland (WFR Honda) +11.626s
Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) +18.849s
Jon Kirkham (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) +22.729s
Glen Richards (WFR Honda) +26.227s

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship standings after Brands Hatch race one:

Shane Byrne (HM Plant Honda) 214
John Hopkins (Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki) 195
Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 165
Michael Laverty (Swan Yamaha) 137
Josh Brookes (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 136
Ryuichi Kiyonari (HM Plant Honda) 121