Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati's Michael Rutter was forced to settle for second place in the restarted opening race for the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch as Alastair Seeley stole the victory.

Rutter had led the opening race before the restart, controlling the race from the front in the dry conditions, but having a limited amount of time to make changes for the wet restart he fought with traction control issues to take his fourth podium of the season.

Rutter said: "I am pleased to be back on the podium, but it was just a shame we couldn't make it a win, after the first part of the race. We came back in for the restart and had to make some changes to suit the conditions but it was always going to be a compromise. I was sliding around all over the place and where I was strong; Alastair made it up somewhere else. I managed to hold it though and a podium is good for me and the Ridersmotorcycles.com Ducati team so we just need to have another go tomorrow."

Tickets for the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch on 6/7/8 August are available on the gate for £30 on raceday (Sunday). Entry is free for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk