Oschersleben, Jun 01: Neil Hodgson equalled Colin Edwards' record of nine consecutive World Superbike race wins with victory in the opening leg at Oschersleben in Germany.
The Briton led from early on in the 28-lap race after starting from pole position on his Ducati Fila machine. Hodgson, who could set a new record if he wins Sunday afternoon's second race at the circuit near Magdeburg in the former East Germany, fought off the challenge of Italian Pierfrancesco Chili.
The veteran PSG Ducati rider dogged Hodgson for most of the race before having to settle for second, crossing the finish line just over half a second behind.
James Toseland made up for a poor start on his HM Plant Ducati to battle through the field to finish third, with his team-mate and early race leader Chris Walker back in fifth.

Results: Race 1: 1 Neil Hodgson (GB) Ducati 41minutes 29.894 seconds 2 Pierfrancesco Chili (Ita) Ducati 41:30.450 3 James Toseland (GB) Ducati 41:42.859 4 Regis Laconi (Fra) Ducati 41:46.524 5 Chris Walker (GB) Ducati 41:46.648 6 Steve Martin (Aus) Ducati 42:08.036 7 Marco Borciani (Ita) Ducati 42:13.390 8 Vittorio Iannuzzo (Ita) Suzuki 42:15.346 9 Lucio Pedercini (Ita) Ducati 42:20.048 10 Giovanni Bussei (Ita) Yamaha 42:21.112


Bureau Report