CRASH, bang, podium – Verwood-based Worx Crescent Suzuki’s Tommy Hill had an uphill battle to protect his lead in the 2010 British Superbikes Championship.

After qualifying in pole position then posting fastest time in morning warm-up, Hill looked set for podium finishes if not wins on Sunday. However, in the first race while tailing leader Ryuichi Kiyonari, Hill made a momentary mistake as he raced through Hall Bends and ground an engine case on one of the kerbs, causing him to crash.

The Worx Crescent Suzuki team worked flat out to clean-up the GSX-R1000 (which had been subjected to a dose of fire extinguisher foam to quell oil burning in the bellypan) in time for race two.

Hill repaid their hard work with a strong runner-up finish in a race shortened after another competitor crashed heavily on The Mountain. Bournemouth’s Josh Brookes on the HM Plant Honda, closed the points gap with a fifth place in the first race and victory – his second of the season – in the second.

Hill said: “I’m still really happy to get back on the podium, to keep my lead in the championship and to get more of those important podium points that we can carry forward into the showdown at the end of the year.”

After four rounds Hill has 146 points, Brookes 110 with Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki) 101.