BSB: Irwin: 'I'm grabbing this opportunity with both hands'

Glenn Irwin has said he won’t crack under the pressure having unexpectedly found himself the number one rider for Be Wiser Ducati following champion Shane Byrne’s unfortunate accident last month.

Byrne was ruled out for the foreseeable future after an incident at the official Snetterton test in May saw him break bones in his back, neck and chest.

With a lengthy recovery on the cards for the six-time champion, Irwin’s brother, Andrew, has taken over Shakey’s seat elevating Glenn to number one status.

Running the development swing arm Byrne had been developing this year, the elder Irwin has enjoyed a strong weekend so far, which continued in qualifying as he bagged a front row start for tomorrow’s opening race.

“This team don’t come racing to not battle for wins and championships and it’s weird when you’re a rider, little things can make you tick and this has happened in awful circumstances but it’s a window of opportunity for me,” Irwin said.  

“I feel so far we’ve grabbed that opportunity with both hands. I feel more confident in myself, you could look at it as pressure but I kind of thrive where I’m in a situation where I believe I can win and those around me have their eggs in my basket too.

“It’s nice to have my brother in the team too, he’s done fantastic in his first qualifying session.”