Shane Byrne transferred pole position into race win to claim his fourth win at Thruxton Circuit on his return to Ducati (20th April). The move to a Pirelli control tyre for 2008 provided a frenetic and close-fought opening race of the season. With a level playing field in terms of rubber, it was left to individual teams to select a favourable compound around the fast and abrasive 2.356mile Hampshire circuit. In race two Cal Crutchlow looked to be in dominant form, making the early running in the search for his debut victory, as he led the field for the first 12 laps. However, the sheer grunt of the new Ducati 1098 proved too much for Crutchlow and Shane Byrne expertly bided his time before making his move for the lead on his Airwaves Ducati on the 13th lap. A rejuvenated Michael Rutter on the North West 200 Ducati, left his passing manoeuvre until lap 18 to claim third position ahead of Leon Haslam.