Race one at Oulton Park has been red-flagged after a first-corner crash due to wet conditions. Tom Sykes, Billy McConnell and Cal Crutchlow were three of the riders to fall at Old Hall but there was some controversy as several riders had their hands up on the grid before the lights went out.

Leon Haslam said: “I had my hand up and Karl [Harris] nearly lost it on the warm-up lap”

Rizla Suzuki boss Jack Valentine said: “I would have held it for five minutes just to see what the weather did but it’s up to the race directors.”

Eurosport’s James Whitham said: “I am surprised the riders themselves didn’t make more of it.”

Shane Byrne said: “It was a good job I got a crap start really!”