BSB: Byrne quickest as Brands finale gets underway

Shane Byrne led the way as the MCE British Superbike Championship finale got underway at Brands Hatch.

The Be Wiser Ducati star topped both Friday practice sessions to come out fighting as he looks to stop Leon Haslam clinching his first ever BSB title this weekend.

Byrne and Haslam, along with many others, sat out most of the morning session, which started wet, but posted times towards the end when the circuit had mostly dried.

The afternoon session was fully dry, with Byrne quick from the off to control the session.

It had looked as if he would lead his title adversary, by just 0.001 seconds until he bettered his time and the McAMS Yamaha of Michael Laverty split the duo in the final moments of the session.

TOP STORIES

• Kawasaki poised to reveal Ninja H2-powered super-tourer
• BSB: Haslam: ‘I have to pick my fights’
• Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show 2018
• Video: Protect your bike this winter
• Officially the coolest kid on the block

John Hopkins was fourth quickest for MotoRapido Ducati ahead of Christian Iddon while the third title fighter Josh Brookes rounded out the top six.

Still in with a mathematical chance of taking the crown, Jake Dixon didn’t have the best of sessions, despite leading the way early on, the RAF Regular and Reserves Kawasaki crashed at Hawthorns with six minutes to go to bring out a red flag. While he was up on his feet, he was taken to the medical centre for checks.

Dan Linfoot was seventh quickest for Honda head of winner last time out Sylvain Guintoli while Jason O’Halloran and Glenn Irwin rounded out the top ten. 

Have a browse for your next bike on MCN Bikes For Sale website or use the MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.