While the UK was (unusually) bathed in sunshine, the poor old Czech Republic was getting more than a little damp. Something that made for a very entertaining first World Superbike race...
Slicks and a damp track equalled some rather bizarre lines through the bends, with Tom Sykes making the most of other riders' caution. And that bravado seemed to pay off, as after one lap Sykes had a three-second lead! Behind him the astonishing variation of lines put some odd names up in the front group as well as WSB regulars - we guess that's what happens when lap times are 30 seconds slower than usual.
With the track drying, normality was (almost) restored, with only Loris Baz spoiling the WSB regulars' party by mid-race distance.
Having hit the front, Sykes looked like he may take a well-deserved win, but Jonathan Rea had something to say about that. Rea chased Sykes down with seven laps to go and barged past to briefly take the lead. With six bikes all battling for the win it would take something special to separate them. Or just plain stupid...
Having run wide, a rather wild-looking Rea pulled the ejector lever in spectacular fashion having hit Sykes mid-corner. Somehow Sykes stayed on but it gave Melandri the break he needed to seal the win, with Sykes in second and Baz (yes, Baz) in third!
Race two was held in far more normal dry conditions and it was the usual suspects at the front. Seven poles and only one (half...) race win - when will Sykes get some luck (or a tyre that lasts) on the Kawasaki? So while Sykes took the lead, Melandri hunted him down come just after mid-race. Despite putting up a great fight, it was two race wins for Melandri and two second places for Sykes.
Looking at Melandri at the moment, you have to wonder if 2012 will be BMW's year to finally win a WSB championship...
WSB Results:
Race 1:
1 Melandri
2 Sykes
3 Baz
4 Checa
5 Laverty
Race 2:
1 Melandri
2 Sykes
3 Checa
4 Biaggi
5 Laverty
Championship Points:
1 Biaggi 271.5
2 Melandri 250.5
3 Sykes 212.5
4 Checa 204.5
5 Rea 187
Brit watch: (Race 1, Race 2)
Jonathan Rea: (DNF, 12)
Leon Haslam: (7, 7)
Eugene Laverty: (5,5)
Tom Sykes: (2, 2)
Leon Camier: (14,9)
Chaz Davies: (11, 6)