P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Kyle Ryde says he “wasn’t expecting to pull away” as his 2026 BSB campaign got off to a dream start at Oulton Park.
Reigning BSB champion Kyle Ryde began his title defense with a victory in the first race of the season at Oulton Park, showcasing a seamless transition from Yamaha to Ducati.
Despite a slightly rusty start dropping to fourth at the first corner, Ryde’s dominant performance included topping practice, securing pole, and taking the first race win, setting a lap record in the process.
He expressed satisfaction with his strong start, highlighting the challenge of adapting to the new bike in a short time frame.
Ryde’s strategy of setting a fast pace early on paid off, allowing him to build a substantial lead and secure the win.
Looking ahead to the next race, he aims to fine-tune his bike setup for improved performance and consistency over the full race distance.
With a focus on maintaining his rhythm and pace, Ryde remains optimistic for the upcoming races following his impressive season opener at Oulton Park.
