SHAKEY UNDER LAP RECORD TO DENY BROOKES OF TOP SPOT IN FINAL SESSION
Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne marginally edged out Josh Brookes in the final MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship test session of the day at Donington Park, with the pair eclipsing the series lap record of the Leicestershire circuit on the first UK test on the 17” Pirelli tyres.
Byrne and Brookes’ best time were both faster than last year’s MCE BSB pole position lap of the circuit with the pair swapping place at the top of the times until the chequered flag of the final session, as the title rivals bid to have the edge ahead of the Brands Hatch opener.
Byrne said: “It was a long session this afternoon and we did pretty much a full race distance and then had time to try one or two other things. I am really happy with the pace we have, running faster than we did in last year’s race here. To be back up at that level already is good and I was not out there to finish second! I am fully motivated for the season and can’t wait to get started now as we want that title back.”
Jakub Smrz and the Millsport Ducati team held third position after a strong start to their campaign with Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker locking out fourth place on the leading Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Kawasaki, his team-mate James Ellison was tenth fastest.
James Westmoreland was the fastest of the BMW contenders ending the opening official test fifth fastest, with four different manufacturers featured in the top five.
MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, Donington Park official tests, final session:
1. Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 1m:29.550s
2. Josh Brookes (Milwaukee Yamaha) +0.186s
3. Jakub Smrz (Millsport Ducati) +0.780s
4. Chris Walker (Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Kawasaki) +0.819s
5. James Westmoreland (Buildbase BMW) +1.151s
6. Tommy Bridewell (Milwaukee Yamaha) +1.378s
7. Stuart Easton (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) +1.426s
8. John Hopkins (Tyco Suzuki) +1.600s
9. Ryuichi Kiyonari (Buildbase BMW) +1.690s
10. James Ellison (Lloyds British GBmoto Racing Kawasaki) +1.764s
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