EVESHAM motorbike racer Mike Tustin bagged fifth place in the Ducati TriOptions Cup opener.

But the first race at Donington Park did not go quite to plan for the Team MTR competitor with a 12th-place finish which was a slight improvement on last season’s 13th.

Tustin secured sixth on the grid after qualifying with wet tyres proving to be the right choice.

He opened with 12th in dry conditions to score points but was disappointed to drop down the field after a strong start.

Rain fell heavily overnight and there was plenty of water to contend with in race two as the Vale rider started from 14th before pushing on to finish fifth with the third fastest lap.

It was the second highest place for the team in the class.

The next round is at Brands Hatch Indy on April 13 and 14.