Marco Melandri has reduced Max Biaggi's lead in the World Superbike Championships to just 10.5 points after focusing on scoring solid points in difficult conditions at Silverstone.
Coming into the weekend having won each of the last three races, Melandri played the points' game in race one against a struggling
Max Biaggi when the rain began to fall, the Italian finishing seventh and benefiting further when his key rival crashed on the final lap.
Admitting he didn't want to get involved in a battle with riders outside of the championship fight, Melandri went on to finish eighth in the truncated race two, while Biaggi was classified a lowly 11th after riders were reinstated on count-back.
Lowering the gap in the standings from 21 points to 10.5 points, Melandri was satisfied with his day's work given the conditions and feels he has the momentum to overhaul his rival.
“This day was actually unbelievable,” the BMW rider said. “The two races were completely different, but they were both equally as difficult. It was very important to finish today. Many young riders who are not involved in the championship fight were pushing very hard, so the races were not easy.
“However, I am so happy because we leave here without any damage and good points. Now I am looking forward to Moscow because the track is new for everybody. I just hope the weather will be more stable there.”