BSB Brands Hatch GP Race 1 Results | Mackenzie holds off Bridewell in sprint win

Tarran Mackenzie has notched up his first win of the 2021 British Superbike Championship (BSB) at Brands Hatch, holding off the race-long attentions of Tommy Bridewell to lead from lights-to-flag.

The Scot started from pole position and held his nerve at the lights to get an excellent jump on the opposition as they jostled for position behind him.

And that is where he would remain for the entirety of the race, Mackenzie coming under persistent pressure from Bridewell but keeping the Ducati man at bay throughout the shortened 12-lap sprint, brought about by an accident for Brad Jones that has hospitalised him (CLICK HERE).

The win marks a fourth for McAMS Yamaha in just seven races following Jason O”Halloran’s triple treat at the Oulton Park opener.

Christian Iddon kept a close watching brief but chose to keep it clean for third place, his fifth podium of the season and one that helps him extend his championship lead over Knockhill double winner Danny Buchan, who followed him home in fourth place.

Starting down in 16th position, title contender O’Halloran produced a superb ride given the short distance to haul the second factory Yamaha R1 up to fifth position, ahead of Lee Jackson who together with his FS-3 Racing Kawasaki team-mate Rory Skinner sandwiched Bradley Ray in sixth, eighth and seventh respectively.

Another rider making up ground from a lowly grid position, Josh Brookes did well to secure ninth after passing Danny Kent (10th) and Andrew Irwin (11th) on the final lap, though the defending champion remains much further back than he would expect around his speciality circuit.

Elsewhere, there was disappointment for FHO Racing BMW with both Peter Hickman and Xavi Fores - returning this weekend from injury - failing to finish.

2021 British Superbike Championship (BSB) RACE 1 RESULTS | Brands Hatch GP