Double delight for Sykes at Donington

The Kawasaki rider enjoyed a flawless weekend during which he won both races, claimed pole position and topped all dry timed sessions.

Sykes was never led as he claimed his second lights-to-flag win of the day.

The 27-year-old Yorkshireman soon stamped his authority on race two where he clung on to the lead going into the first corner before pulling away from the chasing pack, then led by Eugene Laverty.

Laverty could not maintain his challenge with Sykes setting a new race lap record on lap four and, by the time Sylvain Guintoli had got past his team-mate, the Briton had a two-second lead.

Sykes continued to extend his lead and finished eight seconds ahead of Guintoli to become the first double British winner at Donington Park since Carl Fogarty in 1995.

Guintoli remains at the head of the standings, but his lead is reduced to just four points

The first race saw Sykes execute a flawless performance from the front as he displaced Laverty for second in the standings.

Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK) overtook Guintoli at the final turn on lap 16 to take second place.