British Superbikes Almeria test: Shane Byrne happy with early pace

Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne impressed after just one day of testing at the official Pirelli test in Almeria Spain.

The 2003 British Superbike champion did a number of 18 lap race simulations on day one, with an unofficial best lap of 1.37.8.

Shane Byrne told MCN: “The bike is really consistent and steers really nice, which helps when you’re testing a new tyre.

“The new engine feels really strong from the bottom end but it doesn’t really rev very much.

“It’s a bit of an addiction when you’re riding; you come out of a second or third gear corner and stand the bike up and use the drive.

“I get all excited, I’m like a child, and then the gear change light comes on so you bang it up a gear and away it goes again.

And the Airwaves Ducati rider added: “I’ve done some 60 laps in my first day and I’m really happy with how it’s gone – let’s hope we can continue over the next couple of days.”