Byrne makes Ducati debut ahead of first official test

Shane Byrne has already made his debut on the Ducati Panigale he will ride for PBM in next year’s MCE British Superbike championship – taking to the roads around his home on a loaned machine from the Italian manufacturer.

“I’ve been riding an 1199R on the road that Ducati have loaned me, even though I don’t often ride sports bikes on the road. Flipping hell! It’s so, so, so, so fast for a road bike – it’s total overkill! My first thought was, ‘my God, people buy them to ride around on the road!’ you could probably stick some slicks on them and take it racing, it seems that good.

However, his first real test will come later today, when he debuts on a race-prepped machine at Valencia. Lining up alongside the Ducati World Superbike Test Team, featuring none other than former world champion Carlos Checa, he four-time BSB champion is buzzing for the opportunity.

“It’s a proper thing, and I’m so excited about Wednesday. It should be a great day, and it’s a great chance to reignite some old friendships with people I’ve worked with in the past and to gather some information to help drag us back to the front of the championship.”