Parkalgar WSB test: Byrne again on final day

Shane Byrne made it three out of three by setting the fastest time once again on the third and final day of the World Superbike test at Parkalgar today (Sunday).

Byrne set his best time during the new look Superpole session which sees a three stage knock out system decide pole position. The new qualifying system will be introduced at the opening round of the championship at Phillip Island and WSB organisers used the Parkalgar test to try out the new formula.  

Byrne said:

“The conditions weren’t as good today, there were a few puddles, there had been some crashes so there was oil on the track, it was windy so it just wasn’t the day for putting it all on the line. I’m happy though, the test has gone really well, we’ve still got work to do and there is more to come.”  

Alstare Suzuki man Max Neukirchner underlined his potential by securing second in Superpole to back up his consistent lap times throughout the test.

Jonathan Rea attacked Superpole with his trademark determination to take third with Haga fourth and Haslam fifth making it three British riders in the top five.

Superpole times:

1. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1’43.874;
2. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1’43.965;
3. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1’44.144;
4. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1’44.157;
5. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1’44.217;
6. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1’44.261;
7. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1’44.586;
8. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1’47.057;
9. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1’49.387;
10. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1’52.340;
11. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1’56.553;
12. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1’56.643;
13. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1’44.119;
14. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1’45.182;
15. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1’45.624;
16. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1’45.931;
17. Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’46.181;
18. Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1’46.260;
19. Polita A. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1’46.849;
20. Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 1’46.897