Back up to the front four and Byrne had moved into second ahead of Haslam. Then after a few laps in second he started pressuring the leading black machine.
Byrne made his move at the Campbell/Cobb/Segrave complex, forcing the Ducati inside Crutchlow at the left hander on the 13th lap.
The Honda showed a slight edge in straight like speed up the main straight into the chicane, but ‘Shakey' was not to be denied and made a huge effort to out-brake the Honda man into the tight end of lap section.
From then on Byrne used the agility of the Ducati to pull out yards on Crutchlow in the twisty areas as Crutchlow tried in vain to pull back the time lost on the straights.
It was not to be though and Byrne took a fantastic first win, proving that his front running pace in testing was no fluke.
“It's been a long time waiting for this,” said Byrne. “We seem to have done so much testing and practice it was nice to get out there and see what everyone has got.
“I was quite happy in the race, just settling in behind Cal, but then I noticed the third placed guy was closing so I had to have a go at getting past. From then on I just controlled it, the bike was perfect.”
Crutchlow was delighted with a second position, not just a good result but also beating Haslam in the process, after a tough 2007 the Coventry lad is looking good for wins in 2008.
“I felt good up front, got a great start and I knew there was someone there behind me after a bit,” said a happy Crutchlow.
“I just didn't have enough to keep him at bay, or then to catch him up again. But we can make some changes and try and get a win nest time.
Rutter was visibly delighted with third on his new Ducati. The team have not had the best start to the season and to be this close to a win is impressive for the Midlander in his can you believe 278th BSB race start.
“Couldn't have dreamt of this really, the team take so much credit here,” said Rutter. “I think there is more to come too.
“About mid-race I was quite happy then started to think that everyone was going to slow down with tyre problems, they didn't and I realised I could go a bit faster. I should have gone earlier really as maybe we could have got a bit closer.
