Donington BSB: Byrne returns to form with race two victory

Shane Byrne has kicked off his 2015 MCE British Superbike season in style by taking the second win at Donington Park after a race long battle with Honda Racing rider Dan Linfoot.

Linfoot pushed the reigning champion right to the line, however, finally showing that he has championship-winning form on the returning Fireblade package. Byrne’s PBM Kawasaki teammate Stuart Easton managed to stick with the duo to the line, but was unable to make an attempt at moving forwards.

Speaking afterwards Byrne, who finished runner-up to James Ellison in race one, said: “Honestly I didn’t know what to expect this weekend. I said after race one that I felt quietly confident that we would get stronger but I didn’t expect to go one stronger in race two to be honest! We have all been around a long time and we know you can never expect anything.”

Peter Hickman was an excellent fourth on the RAF Reserves BMW, while Christian Iddon, recovering from a weekend-long illness, was fifth. Josh Brookes was sixth, after being ran out of the leading group by a highside on lap six from Ryuichi Kiyonari.

Michael Laverty and Tommy Bridewell were seventh and eighth on the Tyco BMWs as they continue to find form, while fellow BMW debutant Billy McConnell and veteran Chris Walker rounded out the top ten.