QUEDGELEY'S Scott Redding finished third at a rain-soaked Brands Hatch.

Going into the next race at Knockhill in Scotland on June 28, Tommy Bridewell heads the Bennetts British Superbike standings by a comfortable 14 points over Redding, who made it a Ducati 1-2-3 with his run to third.

It was Josh Brookes who picked up a hard-fought third win at Brands.

With the duo having qualified in first and second, the team were confident of some strong results although the good conditions of Friday and Saturday were replaced by rain showers and the first 20-lap race started with a wet track albeit with the sun shining. It saw Australian 2015 BSB champion Brookes opt for full wets whilst ex-MotoGP rider Redding gambled on the track drying with an intermediate rear tyre on his factory-supported Be Wiser Ducati Panigale V4R.

It proved to be the incorrect decision as the track didn’t dry quickly enough and although the Gloucestershire rider set the fastest lap at the end of the race, he slipped back to 22nd at the flag.

Despite their differing fortunes in race 1, Redding and Brookes again lined up in first and second on the grid for the second race later in the day and in the dry conditions, circulated at the front for the first half of the race. Brookes led throughout and after seeing off the challenge of Redding and fellow Ducati rider Bridewell, he took his second victory of the day with Redding a deserved third. Brookes was also crowned ‘King of Brands’ for a third time for good measure and claimed first blood in the Integro Summer Triple Crown which, if he wins the next four races, will secure him a £75,000 pay day.

The result also meant it was the seventh straight win for Paul Bird’s team who remain unbeaten since the opening round and elevated both riders up the championship standings with Redding in second and Brookes just seven points back in third going into the next round at Knockhill in Scotland in two weeks’ time.

Redding told his official website scottredding45.com: “Some people may not have thought a podium was possible for me this weekend, Brookes & Redding, but we were quick straightaway which raised expectations. However, I knew that whilst I was quick for a few laps, doing it over the full race distance would be a lot more difficult particularly as I’m still learning the bike and the tyres. At the moment, I’m using the rear tyre in the wrong way and although I tried to hold onto the leaders, I ended up making a few mistakes so settled for the position and brought the bike home in third. I made a mistake in the first race with the tyre choice, so I’m pleased to come back with a podium.”