Final lap drama as Yamaha throw away one-two

Updated 21/04/2019 at 13:55 GMT

Tarran MacKenzie collided with Jason O’Halloran on the final lap, sending his Yamaha team-mate spiralling into the gravel, as he took a dramatic win in the British Superbikes season opener at Silverstone – only for stewards to impose a penalty that pushed him into second.

Silverstone, Towcester, England; Bennetts British Superbikes Championship, Round 1, Friday free practice; Tarran Mackenzie (GBR) on the MCAMS Yamaha during Free Practice 1

Image credit: Getty Images

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The incident promoted Josh Elliott (Suzuki) into an unlikely victory, while Scott Redding (Ducati) – stepping in from MotoGP – scored a debut podium in third.

O’Halloran appeared set to lead home a one-two for Yamaha, but MacKenzie snuck up on his inside in the final corner and the pair collided. The 31-year-old, who did not finish, reacted furiously on his walk back to the pit lane.

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MacKenzie was hit by a three-second penalty after the race for his role in the crash.

"I didn’t do it intentionally, I saw a gap and went for it. I’m sure Jason would have done the same," said MacKenzie before his penalty.

The safety car was out inside four laps after an early crash involving Kawasaki duo Glenn Irwin and Ben Currie, and David Allingham (EHA Racing).

When racing resumed, attention switched down the field as Josh Brookes – fourth in last season’s championship – made his way up from 18th on the grid into the top 10.

But Brookes was forced into retirement before the late drama involving MacKenzie and O’Halloran ensured the new season began in notable fashion.

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