Jason O’Halloran gave another Thruxton masterclass as he stormed to victory in the Bike Social Sprint Race at Round 7 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

After a scorching Friday, Saturday proved to be quite a different affair with all four seasons gracing the Hampshire track ahead of the final free practice session. With the weather unable to make up its mind, the session started dry but by the time riders had completed just one flying lap the rain had returned leading to both O’Halloran and team-mate Tito Rabat to return to the pits.

Fortunately, the weather held off for qualifying and O’Halloran was in imperious form, storming to pole position by two tenths of a second with a 1’14.634 with fellow Yamaha riders Ryan Vickers and Kyle Ryde joining him on the front row of the grid.

Pre-race favourite given his pole start and Thruxton form, O’Halloran wasted no time leading in the early stages. Knowing he had to look after his tyres, he tried not to pull the pin but formed a bit of a gap as the pack behind battled. At mid-race distance, Lee Jackson was able to break free and pass the Australian at the final chicane, but O’Halloran had it all in control. Realising he’d rather be out front, he re-passed the Kawasaki rider and didn’t look back, gradually gapping the field as the race went on to eventually cross the line 1.591 seconds ahead of Hawk Racing’s Charlie Nesbitt in second place.

It marked a welcome return to the top step of the podium for O’Halloran, winning for the first time since Donington Park back in May. A brace of 18 points see’s O’Halloran reduce the lead in the championship, now sitting just 12 points back from a top three position.

Saving his tyre in the early stages of the race, O’Halloran will start seventh in Race 2.

After qualifying 20th, Tito Rabat pulled in from the race citing a lack of rear grip.