CASTLETOWN resident Jonathan Rea won the first race and came third in the second race at the World Superbike round at Assen in the Netherlands yesterday (Sunday).

His Castrol Honda team class Assen as its 'home round' as it is based just 50km south of the circuit.

In the first race Italy's Max Biaggi was second on board his Aprilia, while Spain's Carlos Checa was third, riding for Ducati.

Carlos Checa won the second race, with Max Biaggi second and Jonathan in third.

Last year Jonathan won both races at Assen.

He said: "First and foremost, I'm really proud to give the famous Castrol Honda name the first victory on its comeback to this championship.

"We spent all weekend developing the bike for the races, and that strategy paid off.

"I got a good start but couldn't decide whether to let Max past and let him dictate the pace.

"In the end I made the right decision to stay in front and take the win.

"We had to dig deep in race two because I got held up for a while and the front guys got away.

"I was matching their lap times but we ran into some tyre problems later in the race.

"I'm really happy with the weekend though, and really grateful to everyone who has helped to get me here – it's been a long hard winter coming back from injury.

"The team has worked really well and that's exactly the right sort of confidence and momentum that we need to take to the next races.

"I'm happy to be back where I belong, in the winners' circle, and I look forward to trying to get more wins for the team."