THE 2015 Moto3 world championship is beginning to look like Danny Kent's to lose after a win in Barcelona at the weekend extended his lead in the series to 51 points.

It was a fourth Grand Prix win (and sixth podium) in seven races for Malmesbury’s Kent.

No British rider since Barry Sheene in 1977 has won a world championship.

Locked in another tense battle, the 20-year-old used his mature head once again and was able to hold back and work out a strategy.

Starting from second on the grid the Leopard Honda rider made a strong start and raced with the leading pack throughout though he did slip down to seventh mid-way through the race.

In searing temperatures the Brit saved his best until last, coming from the back of a six-strong leading group with blistering overtaking manoeuvre on the final lap, to cross the line just 0.035s ahead of Italian Enea Bastianini.

Kent said: “I’m happy because it was such a tough race. All the riders at the front really wanted the victory today.

"I knew that I had some advantages in the last sectors of the track. During the final four laps I followed them, letting them do their thing, because I knew my strong points and that I would bounce back during the final lap.

"At this time the tyres dropped pretty much so I had to be focused anyway.

"But in the end my strategy worked out really well so I’m pleased with this victory. Furthermore thanks to it we extended our championship lead, which was of course very important too. Congratulations and a big thanks to my team.”