After a spell in the doldrums in 2019, a year which saw him take just two top six Bennetts British Superbike finishes, Glenn Irwin was back to his best at this year’s opening round at Donington Park, ending the weekend as series leader.

After showing well at the official test at the same circuit last month, the Honda Racing rider took that pace with him to the first round taking no less than three second place finishes. And whilst he was unlucky not to win the second race, having led from the first corner all the way to the very last, his ride from 12th to second in the final encounter was one of his very best.

“It’s been an amazing weekend even if I did chuck away a win in race two. The final race was probably my favourite ride even though I finished third and then second (after brother and initial runner-up Andrew was disqualified)," said Irwin, speaking at the track.

"I didn’t want to do anything stupid and if Andy came past me then fair play.”

The race was very enjoyable but when I got to Andrew, he was stuck behind the Ducatis and I felt I could pull him through so it was nice to overtake him, and the others, to be honest. I never give up and I stayed in the 1’06s to try and catch Tommy.

With three second place finishes and two race wins for brother Andrew, it was a sensational season opener for both the Irwin family and Honda Racing, something which even the Carrickfergus rider admitted was a surprise.

“I threw everything at the final race and when you do that and come away with a podium, it’s the icing on the cake. A victory would have been sweet but we never expected the results we had this weekend and we leave here as a happy team and with a happy rider with his confidence back.”