Milwaukee Yamaha’s James Ellison has secured his place in the MCE British Superbike Showdown after clinching third place on the podium in race one at Donington Park.

The Kendal rider only needed seven points to put him in the Showdown, and he did that comfortably. Ellison was battling with Samsung Honda’s Alex Lowes and Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne for the win, but the rider will make sure that he leads from the front in race two.

“It is job done and I am happy with that, and deep down I wanted a podium so I am happy with that,” said Ellison, speaking at the circuit.

“There was some really strong pace during the race and Shakey and Alex did not make any mistakes and it was really hard to go faster. But I am happy with third, and for the second race I am going to try and do what I didn’t in race one which is to try and lead for the front.”