BSB: 'No third bike at Silverstone, maybe Showdown' confirms Bird

Be Wiser Ducati boss Paul Bird has refuted claims he’ll run a third bike alongside Shane Byrne and Glenn Irwin at Silverstone this weekend.

Reports emerged earlier today suggesting Bird was considering running an extra Panigale R in order to aid Byrne’s Showdown chances at Silverstone this weekend, but the Cumbrian has told MCN it’s not something in his plans for the triple header Showdown decider.

However, while Bird confirmed there’ll just be Byrne and Irwin in the garage this weekend, he did reveal he’s considering the option of a third bike for the final two rounds of the year at Assen and Brands Hatch.

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“No, we will not have three bikes at Silverstone this weekend,” Bird said. “That was never in the plan, but it is something we are considering for Assen and Brands Hatch Showdown rounds.”

While happy to admit he’s considering a third bike for the final two rounds, Bird wouldn’t comment on who might ride it at this stage. 

Be Wiser Ducati and Shane Byrne head to Silverstone this weekend with a ten-point lead over rival Leon Haslam in the championship standings and an advantage of five podium credits, which he’ll be looking to increase ahead of the opening round of the Showdown at Oulton Park next weekend. 

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