Step Honda's Gino Rea saved a second-lap crash on his elbow before going on to win yesterday's red-flagged World Supersport race at Brno yesterday, taking his and his team's debut wins in the class.

Rea had an early battle with veteran Ten Kate Honda man Fabien Foret but managed to hold him off while Chaz Favies scrapped with David Salom for third. Rea left nothing to chance, however, and says he had some pace in reserve just in case...

"It was so strange sitting at the front of a race. I just tried to get my head down and not make any mistakes after I lost the front on the second lap. I saved it on my elbow for the second time this weekend so I just tried to run my own race and be a bit protective of my lines, getting a good exit so they could not come past me down the straight," said the youngster.

"I knew Fabien was behind me, but I held it to the finish. Unfortunately we did not get to the last lap because we had a few little things planned to stay in front. I was not showing my all, let's put it that way. I was saving my tyres a bit and I knew Fabien would be strong on the brakes and he could go into corners early.

"I was going in really wide to get good drive, but it never went down to the last lap anyway. I have to be honest, I got a bit of luck at the end, but I think it is about time we deserved a bit of luck."