Checa runs away, Biaggi black flagged

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Although not quite as spectacular as Race 1, the second race at Donington Park was perhaps more important at this early stage of the championship. Carlos Checa's third win of the season allowed him to increase his championship lead, while Max Biaggi was left empty handed after being black flagged. This left the door open for Marco Melandri, who is now second in points after his second place finish in the race. Completing the podium was Leon Camier, the only home rider to reach the rostrum.

Jump Start for Biaggi - Leon Haslam got another great start on his BMW, while Biaggi was immediately cited for a jump start. When the Italian failed to come into the pits for his ride through penalty, he was eventually black flagged, completing a very difficult weekend for the reigning world champion.

Up at the front, Carlos Checa quickly made his way into the lead and opened up a small gap. This left Melandri, Camier and Haslam fighting for 2nd place, with the Italian eventually making his way forward. Shortly thereafter, a mistake from Haslam dropped him out of the podium fight, leaving the Yamaha and Aprilia riders alone to try and track down Checa.

Melandri Doesn't Repeat - The stage was set for the Italian to try and chase down Checa's Ducati, just as he had with Smrz's Ducati in race 1, but the Spaniard was simply too consistent. On couple of occasions it looked at though Melandri might have a chance, but in the end the gap never really fell below two seconds. Camier made a brief attempt to challenge Melandri for second place, but when the Aprilia rider's tires began to fade, he smartly settled for the final podium spot.

The championship standings now see Carlos Checa leading with 91 points, followed by Marco Melandri with 72, Leon Haslam on 53, and Max Biaggi with 49.

The next WSBK Race is scheduled for April 17th, at Assen.


WSBK Race 2 Results:

1 7 Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 34'21.537 (161,581 kph)

2 33 Melandri M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R1 3.397

3 2 Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 5.902

4 91 Haslam L. (GBR) BMW S1000 RR 13.842

5 17 Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R 14.253

6 4 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 19.413

7 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 20.278

8 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 21.160

9 86 Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 24.298

10 111 Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 24.907

11 50 Guintoli S. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 32.440

12 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 32.679

13 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 34.070

14 58 Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF R1 36.418

15 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R 44.037

16 8 Aitchison M. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R 52.412

17 41 Haga N. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 56.634