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Three different winners in the three races of the first weekend of the 2023 season on the National (short) layout at Silverstone, representing the same number of manufacturers. BSB once again confirmed its great balance, with a regulation that really works, and a format specifically aimed at producing uncertain outcomes in the races. After Kyle Ryde’s triumph for OMG Racing Yamaha in Race 1 and the interruption of Josh Brookes' winless period on an FHO Racing BMW in Race 2, in the final Race 3 it was Glenn Irwin and Ducati who were celebrating, at the end of 30 exciting laps.
Irwin win with Ducati
A surprise return to the PBM Ducati team (this year renamed BeerMonster Ducati) at the end of a three-year partnership with Honda Racing UK which in 2022 saw him finish in second place behind Bradley Ray, Glenn Irwin started his second adventure with Ducati’s benchmark BSB team in the best possible way. Building on the third place obtained in the previous Race 2, the native of Carrickfergus fully deserved his in in Race 3 on his first official outing with the Panigale V4 R, beating Josh Brookes (2nd) and his teammate Tommy Bridewell (3rd), both on the podium for the third time in a row this weekend.
Perfect strategy
Starting from the front row from the second slot on the grid, Glenn Irwin skilfully managed the grip of the Pirelli tires at the start and from the middle of the race he shifted into another gear, first slipping past Jason O'Halloran (4th at the finish line on a McAMS Yamaha ) and a few laps later the then record holder Danny Kent (then 5th on the CBR 1000 RR-R of his own family-run Lovell Kent Racing team). The final attacks by Brookes and Bridewell came to nothing. For GI2 it was his tenth career win on the same track where last year he scored a triple win for Honda Racing UK.
Next stop Oulton Park
The stormy separation at the end of 2018 is a distant (bad) memory because now Irwin and team owner Paul Bird have put everything behind them and are relaunching their challenge for the 2023 title of a championship which, in the light of what emerged in the first of eleven scheduled rounds, sees Brookes at the top of the standings with 48 points. Two points ahead of Bridewell, five ahead of Glenn Irwin and nine lengths ahead of Ryde (7th behind Leon Haslam in Race 3). The BSB riders and teams will be back on track at Oulton Park on April 29-May 1 for the May Bank Holiday Weekend.
RACE 3 RESULTS:
