Imola saw the return of Ducati rider Giugliano from injury, but the big question was if anyone could match the pace of the Kawasaki pair of Sykes and Rea. Qualifying suggested Haslam on the Aprilia might be able to, or even Giugliano, but the race was a different prospect.
Two DNFs for Davies in a disappointing weekend
As the lights went out it was Giugliano who got the best start, leading the field for the first few laps and looking very strong. However it wasn't long until the green bikes were on his tail as a lack of race fitness seemed to take its toll on the Italian. But at least he was still in the race, unlike team mate Davies whose Panigale gave up the ghost. With Sykes in the lead, Rea second and Giugliano holding third, a red flag brought a premature end to proceedings as Salom crashed heavily.
A restarted mad six-lap sprint after the red flag promised a lot of entertainment but sadly in the end it disappointed. From pole Sykes made the better start with Rea behind and Haslam toughing it out with Giugliano for third spot. As before the red flag, the Kawasakis dominated the dash and instead of six laps of elbow bashing action it was a fairly tame affair with Rea taking the win from Sykes with Giugliano a well-deserved third.
Race two was another game of catch the Kawasakis for the rest of the field as Rea led the way and Sykes followed behind for almost the entire race. Worryingly for Brit fans Haslam crashed out, walking off holding his arm, and Davies' Ducati went pop again with five laps to go. Just when Ducati have found handling form it looks like engine gremlins are now plaguing the team.
The World Supersport race was a disappointing affair for the Brits with Smith finishing 15th and Rea seventh. The race was won by Sofuoglu from Cluzel with Zanetti in third.
Race 1:
1. Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team)
2. Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team)
3. Giugliano (Aruba.it Racing-Ducati SBK Team)
Race 2:
1. Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team)
2. Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team)
3. Torres (Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils)
Leon Haslam (Aprilia) - 4, DNF
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) - 1, 1
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) - 2, 2
Alex Lowes (Suzuki) - 12, 10
Chaz Davies (Ducati) - DNF, DNF
Leon Camier (MV Agusta) - DNF, DNF
Gino Rea (Honda WSS) - 7
Kyle Smith (Honda WSS) - 15