Tom Sykes’ maiden double-win in the series comes after a total domination in Race 2 for the home rider, who continues his charge to the top now just 4 points away – in anticipation of the final decision by the FIM International Disciplinary Court on Monza Race 2 result. The last time a Kawasaki rider was able to secure both race victories dated back to 2000.

Sykes pulled away from the chasing pack in the early stages and managed a 7 seconds lead up to the chequered flag, finishing ahead of works Aprilia duo of Sylvain Guintoli – still Championship leader – and Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team).

The 26 year old Irishman, at his first rostrum finish on the Leicester track, had to defend his position from a late charge by Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet), who ran off track at “Fogarty Esses” following a final attempt of edging out the opponent from 3rd place.

Melandri quickly rejoined to end up 5th behind the competitive Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing Aprilia), who looked at times in the position to have a shot at the top-3 he’s missing from June 2012. Slight improvement for works BMW rider Chaz Davies, 6th at the flag ahead of Frenchman Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team).

A 4-way battle for 7th saw Niccolò Canepa having the better of Jules Cluzel (FIXI Crescent Suzuki), Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma Aprilia) and Jonathan Rea. The One Event rider for the round waved Team Ducati Alstare’s flag high after Checa’s withdrawal from Race 2 (left shoulder issues) and Ayrton Badovini’s crash at Turn 2 on lap 19.

The “nightmare weekend” of Leon Camier was completed by another low-speed crash at turn 12, with the Englishman able to get back on track for a final 13th place.