Kyle Smith got his title challenge back on track in style in the Netherlands with a stunning ride to a win in tricky wet conditions. The Brit, who ended 2015 in the top 5, leapfrogs into P3 in the standings in 2016 after the 25 point stunner on a slippery track.

“It was a bit of a tough one!” said Smith. “I felt like I had the pace in the wet all weekend from Friday, but as soon as we started this race I thought I would have to settle for around fourth position because it was just so slippery. Gino (Rea) passed me and PJ (Jacobsen) passed me and I thought there is no way I can keep hold of these guys.”

The race saw a restarted race with a shorter distance, with Brits Smith and Gino Rea fighting off the Puccetti pair of Kenan Sofuoglu and Randy Krummenacher. Both Smith and Rea had a difficult start to the year and the points haul leaves the CIA Landlord Insurance Honda rider with a smile on his face.

“Because the beginning of the season didn’t go too well I thought ‘I’ll just pick up some valuable points’. It seemed like I got some heat into the tyres for the last couple of laps and I started to feel really strong. I’ve managed to come up with the win and it’s good for the team seeing as the season has not gone so well. I’m happy to be up here.”

Smith will be looking to keep the momentum rolling when WorldSSP get back on track in Italy at Imola on the last weekend in April.