Neil Hodgson edged closer to the 2003 World Superbike title with a second and a fifth place in the two races at Brands Hatch, as Shane Byrne picked up both race wins for Monstermob Ducati. Team-mate Ruben Xaus retired from race 1 with an oil leak then finished fourth in race 2. It was a triumphant day for Ducati however as they won the World Superbike Manufacturer title for the twelfth time.

Shell Advance Motorcycle Oils helped the Ducati Team to a strong result today, thanks to the ongoing development work of the Shell Advance scientists. These scientists also engineer the Shell Advance road product range, putting their experience with Ducati Corse into these road oils, benefiting riders all over the world.

I was a bit nervous before the start of race 1 because I was feeling the pressure here at Brand declared NeilWhen yove had such a bad weekend in qualifying you still have to go out and do it in the race and pass everyone when you are eleventh on the grid. With six laps to go when I was behind Chris, and Shakey had gone, I thought this is what the crowd had come to see, Hodgson versus Walker so I couldt let my fans down

Race 2 was also really difficult because the pace was hotter and the other riders didt break down. I was catching up on the leaders but then I hit a false neutral two times into the corner off the back straight and had to back down. We were at a bit of a disadvantage on this circuit, not having tested here and with very little dry weather track time and the wild-cards were always going to be a threat because they know the circuit so well. Now m looking forward to Assen to take that titl.

Ruben Xaus retired from race 1 with an oil leak but then battled for a hard-fought fourth place in the second race.

I was going to be second for sur he commented after race 1because Walker was slower than me in some parts of the circuit. Is a real pity because I was feeling good and the bike was going really well. Race 2 was not bad even though I didt get as good a start. The only problem was that the tyres started losing grip six laps before the end when I was close to the lead and after that I was sideways all the time