Reigning champion Byrne gets testing underway

Reigning MCE British Superbike champion Shane Byrne is set to get his 2015 testing program underway this week at Spain’s Almeria circuit. He will be joined by PBM Kawasaki teammates Stuart Easton and Ian Hutchinson.

Byrne said: “I am super excited to get going now and even dropping my kit bag off with the team got me all revved up. I have to wait until Thursday to get on track though so at the same time as being excited this is going to feel like the longest week in the world!

“We are going to this test with something of a hybrid bike to test some new parts so that it gives us a direction for the next tests we have planned. Whilst this first test isn’t going to be massively about lap times and bragging rights it is going to be important and I am looking forward to getting out. It is good that we can concentrate on what we need to be working on and get on with the job in hand. We are then aiming to be in a stronger position ready for our next tests when I am sure we will be joined by some of our rivals.”

Easton said: “We want to be back out there, so when the team said we were going testing I was like ‘yes’! I haven’t been out on the bike since Macau and then on a circuit since Brands Hatch in October so it feels good to know we are getting the ball rolling and getting stuck in. The team have a good plan of what we need to get through so hopefully we can get some of that boxed off early.  Last year when we had our first test I was coming straight off a 600 from Supersport so to start with the same team and bike gives me a better start already. I am hopeful that we can hit the ground running.”

With an unchanged rider line-up and a strong winter development program, the duo have a range of parts to try out at the test, including new Arrow exhaust specifications and upgraded suspension from English firm K-Tech.