This weekend saw the return of World Superbikes Championship to Donnington Park after a five year absence.

After Fridays wedding Mark headed up to Donnington Park race track for the return of World Superbikes to Donnington Park. The journey up was not one of the best as the M25 was jammed solid, so we cut across country and eventullay arrived at the hotel after nearly four hours on the road.

We were up early Saturday and at the track by 8.30am for the start of the days practice and qualifying.

It was not a great weekend for Troy Bayliss, the defending World Champion who despite being fastest in qualifying and being on pole for the 14th time was to crash out whilst leading race one. Troy sustained a nasty injury to his right hand which resulted in the top two bones in his little finger having to be amputated. In true superbike style, Troy is expected to back at the next round in Valencia in just eight days time!

Troy Corser had a good weekend taking the runner up spot in race one and third place in race two - this was despite crashing in the first turn of his superpole lap which meant he ahd to start both races from eigth place on the grid.

A very good weekend for Nori Haga, one of the few people to go quicker on his superpole lap. Haga was fourth in race one and won race two.

James Toseland.

The crowd of over 50,000 had turned out to see a British victory and James Toseland duly obliged with a commanding victory in race one. Sadly the “home double” was to elude James again, as his bike broke down early on in race two.

Celebratory Wheelie James Toseland

James Toseland

Race two was an exciting three way dice between, Troy Corser, Max Biaggi and Nori Haga, which culminated in Nori taking a the race win at the very last corner as Max Biaggi ran wide.

Nori celebrates his victory with a rolling burnout.

Who be a team manager !

This leaves the championship really close now. Max’s consistency leaves him second in the championship behind James Toseland.

WBSK Championship Standings after Donnington Park

James Toseland 115

Max Biaggi 110

Nori Haga 88

Troy Corser 81

Lorenzo Lanzi 66

Tro Bayliss 64

There will be more photographs on the main site in the next day or two just login for more action.

don’t forget to check back next week for Round one of the British Superbikes Championship from Brands Hatch.