Richard Cooper got his hopes of landing the ABK Beer 0% BMW Motorrad F900 R Cup title off to the perfect start as he won the first heat at Brands Hatch.
The FHO Racing BMW Motorrad rider started from pole and despite being passed briefly by Bathams Racing’s Michael Rutter on the opening lap, was back ahead by the end of lap two.
From there, he controlled the race as the battle was on for third, as Christian Smith fought it out with Mason Johnson, Smith getting past his rival on the last lap to cross the line ahead, with Adrian Teasdale rounding out the top five.
ABK Beer 0% BMW Motorrad F900 R Cup, Heat One result:
1. Richard Cooper (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad)
2. Michael Rutter (Bathams Racing) +2.067secs
3. Christian Smith (SCH Motoprep/Smith Twins Racing) +8.234s
4. Mason Johnson (Johnson Racing) +8.
5. Adrian Teasdale (Van Glass) +9.540s