A CROWD of 65,000 was at Silverstone at the weekend to celebrate two all-British podiums at Britain’s round of the 2010 FIM Superbike World Championship.

Cal Crutchlow powered to victory in both of Sunday’s World Superbike races, and was joined on the podium by fellow Brits Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam in the first race and Jonathan Rea and Leon Camier in the second race of the day.

It was the first time the riders had raced on Silverstone’s new 3.666-mile Grand Prix circuit and the Brit-pack put on a fantastic show in front of their home crowd.

The revised layout was a resounding success, providing plenty of overtaking and receiving a big thumbs-up from the riders.

Just as delighted as the trophy-takers was Sam Lowes of Southampton-based GNS Racing, the British Supersport Championship leader who had a wildcard entry for the World race.

Despite a heavy crash on Friday, he fought his way back to finish tenth for his first World points.

He said: “We proved that we can do it on the World stage. I’d like to say a big thank you to the team for the opportunity and we’'re looking forward to Brands Hatch this weekend and to maintain our lead in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship.”

Team owner Gary Stubbington added: “To finish tenth in our very first World Championship race is absolutely awesome, especially as we had to overcome all manner of problems.

“The big crash on Friday set us back a bit and it was a real challenge to get used to the tyres and getting the suspension to work with them but everyone involved with the team did a phenomenal job all weekend and it was an absolute pleasure to see them being rewarded with such a strong race result.

“Sam’s race pace would have been good enough for the second row of the grid and I really cannot have asked for anything more from anyone. We’re only a small team from Southampton but seeing how we’ve grown and developed over the course of the season is a real testament to everyone’s hard work and efforts and we’re all really happy and confident for the rest of the year so long may it continue!”

Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Ltd, said of the weekend: “We have had a great crowd here and they have been treated to some fantastic racing topped off by two all-British podiums.

“The World Superbike riders have raved about the new track, echoing the sentiments of the MotoGP riders and Formula 1 drivers who have raced here in recent weeks.”

For details of future events at Silverstone, including Round 11 of the MCE British Superbike Championship on September 25-26, visit silverstone.co.uk.