Donington, Great Britain

Notes and quotes on the first WorldSBK race from our man on the ground at Donington Park:

On a day when Nicky Hayden wasn't far from anyone's minds the WorldSBK paddock paid tribute to The Kentucky Kid. With a minute's silence, tribute videos and the Stars and Stripes fluttering in the breeze as fans lined Donington Park the American flag it was the racing that truly honored Hayden.

Tom Sykes was able to take his ninth consecutive victory at Donington Park, a series record at a single circuit, but the Englishman had to work hard to claim it. Having taken his first pole position of the season Sykes was outmuscled by Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea on the opening laps and forced to overcome a two second gap to his Kawasaki teammate Rea after a crash from Davies.

In the early stages of the race Sykes was having to fight his Kawasaki more than his rivals with the 2013 WorldSBK champion having to deal with the bike sliding underneath him. The track conditions were difficult with a high wind and lower track temperatures wreaking havoc. Sykes was able to make his tires last and get back to the front but his teammate Rea wasn't so lucky.