2022 British Superbike Silverstone - Race (1) Results

Glenn Irwin produced a defensive masterclass to pip Kyle Ryde and Bradley Ray to the first Bennetts British Superbike win of the year. 

After securing the first pole of 2022, Irwin led into turn one from Yamaha riders Ryde and Ray. 

Struggling off the line was British Superbike returnee Leon Haslam, as the 2018 champion went from fifth to tenth. 

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As Ray made a move on his team-mate Ryde for second, Haslam’s first race back ended early following a technical problem on lap six. 

Fourth and showing the ability to keep pace with the front three was Rory Skinner - wasn’t the case for Jason O’Halloran and Christian Iddon, who were involved in a tussle for fifth that was costing the pair time to the leaders. 

Following Haslam’s early retirement, IForce BMW rider Dan Linfoot was next in encountering issues as he slowed on the exit of turn one. 

With 13 laps gone Skinner began losing touch with the front three as Irwin kept up a searingly hot pace. 

Repaying the favour from lap three, Ryde then made his way back past Ray for second place on lap 19.

Despite the National circuit being just a quarter of the traditional Silverstone layout’s length, tyre preservation remained key in the battle for victory. 

The top three continued to stretch clear as Skinner became the first to significantly struggle with grip. 

While Irwin remained the leader, fellow Honda Racing UK rider Ryo Mizuno retired with two laps to go. 

Despite intense pressure from both Ryde and Ray over the final two laps, Irwin held strong for the first win of the 2022.  

Official British Superbike Silverstone (National) Records

Fastest lap - Glenn Irwin GBR Honda Racing UK 52:796s (2022, Q2) 

2021 Race winners 

Race One - Glenn Irwin Honda Racing UK

Race Two - Tarran Mackenzie McAMS Yamaha

Race Three - Jason O’Halloran McAMS Yamaha

British Superbike Qualifying Recap

Yamaha, who dominated all three practice sessions, started qualifying in the same vein as Bradley Ray immediately set a new all-time lap record. 

On the brink of setting the first-ever sub 53s lap around the National layout, the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha rider didn’t remain fastest for long though. 

Team-mate Kyle Ryde managed to better Ray’s effort with a sub 53s time, but not before Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin set a blistering time of 52.796s.

Behind the top three with less than five minutes to go was FS-3 Kawasaki rider Rory Skinner, who continues to impress in what will be his second top flight season in 2022.

Skinner was then bumped down to sixth as last season’s second and third placed riders began to make a move. Tommy Bridewell went fourth fastest, while pre-weekend favourite Jason O’Halloran slotted into fifth.  

O’Halloran is on solo duty for McAMS Yamaha this weekend after team-mate Tarran Mackenzie was ruled out after suffering a left ankle fracture during last week’s two-day test, which has since been operated on successfully. 

There was a late red flag after an initial black and orange flag was being waved at Danny Buchan. 

Happy with their lap times, the top three of Irwin, Ryde and Ray remained in pit lane once the on-track action re-stared, which proved to be the correct call as no one improved. 

There was a late fall for Dan Linfoot at Luffield, making him the second IForce BMW rider to suffer a crash. 

In an incredible show of pace, the top 12 riders finished underneath O’Halloran’s previous lap record.

Sunday Schedule - 2022 British Superbike Silverstone (National) 

9:30-9:40 - British Superbike Warm-up 

13:30 - British Superbike Race Two 

16:30 - British Superbike Race Three