Former British superstock champion Brendan Roberts claimed the European superstock race at Valencia on his Xerox Ducati 1098R. Australian Roberts, who badly injured his wrist at the start of last season, was under considerable pressure from the team throughout 2007, but has started his 2008 season in the best way possible.

Roberts was clear early in the 13 lap race with Davide Giugliano (Suzuki), with Roberts finally shaking off the Suzuki-mounted Italian with three laps to go. Behind the leading duo, there was an entertaining scrap between Belgian Xavier Simon (Suzuki), Claudio Corti (Yamaha) and Alessandro Polita (Ducati) which went to the young Belgian.

So, while the opening round of the British superbike season was being called off under a blanket of snow at Brands Hatch, Roberts was enjoying champagne in the sun. Just rewards for the likeable Aussie (yeah, another one...).