BSB: Thruxton a 'blank sheet of paper' for title leader Byrne

Shane Byrne heads to this weekend’s sixth round of the MCE British Superbike Championship leading the series for the first time since the opening round at Silverstone, but is keen not to rest on his laurels as he continues to tame the Ducati Panigale R. 

Byrne may have won three races on the booming V-twin so far this season, but it’s not been easy for the four-time champion who has struggled with initial set-up for the Panigale at each different circuit.

A test prior to the race weekend saw him in a strong position last time out at Snetterton, where he cruised to pole position and what could have been a double victory had he not run on in the early stages of the first race.

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Having not tested at Thruxton, Byrne is aware the Be Wiser Ducati team will start with what he’s calling a ‘blank sheet of paper’ but is confident the stiff nature of the Panigale will suit the super-fast Hampshire track.

“Thruxton is a wicked circuit and unlike anywhere else we go on the calendar,” he said. “It is so much fun to ride and I can’t wait to get started this weekend. We haven’t tested there so we don’t know how the Be Wiser Ducati will suit the circuit but we saw last year that Hooper had a strong performance on the Panigale so we are hoping this will be another good round for us.

“We are going there with a blank sheet of paper and with the aim of improving with every session as always. We want to start the weekend fast and only get faster!”

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