Thomas and Vitrans win at Brands.

Team Vitrans Honda rider Dean Thomas dramatically won today's sixth round British Supersport race at Brands Hatch, taking the win by two hundredths of a second from fellow Honda-mounted, Karl Harris as the pair crossed the finish line. Stuart Easton rode his Ducati to third place.

Thomas's Vitrans team-mate, Michael Laverty, slipped out of contention on lap five of the 18-lap encounter on the revised 2.6-mile GP circuit at Brands, going through the gravel trap at Sterlings. The Irishman rode on but opted to retire from the race soon afterwards.

Thomas successfully converted his pole position from yesterday's qualifying at the Kent circuit to score his first win on the Pirelli-shod, Ten Kate-prepared CBR600RR since joining the team in early May. The Australian finished second in his first outing at round four of the series at Oulton Park.

"It was a great race," said the 30-year-old, "and I had a tough old battle with Stuart [Easton] but it's awesome to be on top of the rostrum again. I just got a fantastic drive out of that final corner but I have to say that Ten Kate does a great job with these CBRs and I just can't fault the Pirelli tyres."

Since round five of the series at Knockhill, Team Vitrans has contested two rounds of the World Supersport championship at Oschersleben and, last weekend, at Silverstone and Thomas is convinced the experience has helped the team.

"There's no doubt that the two world rounds got us all working together better," he added. "The mechanics have benefited from the pressure of qualifying and there's no substitute for racing against top class opposition."

"I'm disappointed for Michael," said Vitrans team owner Robbie Burns, "but he'll be as delighted for Dean as we all are. He's brought something extra to this team and the win today is a reward for everyone's hard work."