Johnny Rea (Castrol Honda) overcame challenges to win his first race of 2011 in the World Superbike round at Assen. Max Biaggi riding for Aprilia Alitalia finished in second place which left championship leader Carlos Checa (Althea Ducati) in third. Leon Haslam on his BMW overcame a high speed crash to end the race in twelfth position with his team mate Troy Corser taking a creditable sixth.
Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike) finished in fourth and Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare) had a great ride in fifth. Roll on race 2!
Read the full story about Johnny Rea take his first of 2011 win at Assen here.