Byrne beats Brookes to top opening practice at the #BattleofBrands
Results
Free Practice one:
1: James Westmoreland (Gearlink Kawasaki) 1:41.009s
2: Jakub Smrz (Milwaukee Yamaha) +0.345s
3: Tommy Bridewell (Tyco BMW) +1.782s
4: Josh Brookes (Milwaukee Yamaha) +1.973s
5: Danny Buchan (PBM Kawasaki) +2.217s
6: Filip Backlund (Anvil Hire TAG Kawasaki) 2.669s
Free practice two:
1: Shane Byrne (PBM Kawasaki) 1:37.749
2: Howie Mainwaring (Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki) +0.100s
3: Josh Brookes (Milwaukee Yamaha) +0.188s
4: James Ellison (JG Speedfit Kawasaki) +0.243s
5: Richard Cooper (Buildbase BMW) +0.675s
6: Jakub Smrz (Milwaukee Yamaha) +0.697s
Report
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne delivered the first blow in the #BattleofBrands at the final round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship by topping the free practice times, leading title rival Josh Brookes by just 0.188s as the pair were split by Howie Mainwaring.
Brookes leads the standings ahead of tomorrow’s opening race on the Grand Prix circuit and the Australian starts the weekend in the strongest position, however, home contender Byrne has the psychological advantage after staying ahead after the two opening free practice sessions in damp conditions.
Closing in on the leading trio in the final session was JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Ellison who is determined to strike back after missing out on the podium twice at the previous round of Silverstone, he held off Richard Cooper and the second Milwaukee Yamaha of Jakub Smrz.
Michael Laverty moved up to seventh for the Tyco BMW team as he pushed Josh Waters and the Bennetts Suzuki squad back to eighth. Former MotoGP contender John Hopkins and the Lloyds British Moto Rapido Ducati team made it five manufacturers inside the top ten with rookie Luke Mossey holding tenth spot ahead of tomorrow’s Datatag Qualifying and crucial opening MCE BSB race.
The MCE BSB season finale continues with Datatag Qualifying session and first MCE BSB race of the weekend tomorrow (Saturday 17 October). The Main Raceday on Sunday (18 October) will feature the final two MCE BSB races and a further five support races before the champions are crowned and the spectators are invited onto the track to enjoy the end of season celebrations.
For more information visit http://www.britishsuperbike.com |