Methodical approach gives Byrne faith in race pace
Shane Byrne believes Be Wiser Ducati's methodical build to transform his new Panigale R into a competitive package has given him a better race pace compared to qualifying after taking fourth on the grid at Silverstone.
The four-time BSB champion has been a consistent top spot challenger during the season opener and duly converted it into the front of the second row at Silverstone in tricky conditions.
Despite his frustrations at missing out on pole Byrne says it was a respectable effort by explaining it was the first time he'd pushed the Ducati to the limit on a qualifying flyer.
"A big part of me is disappointed not to be on the front row at least and an even bigger part of me is disappointed we are not on pole but at the same we have to be realistic," Byrne said. "I've got a brand new bunch of guys working on my side of the garage on a brand new motorcycle and for the first time I've attacked the thing at a race track and we've ended two or three tenths off of pole."
Byrne saw his hopes for a fifth title take a shattering blow the last time BSB visited Silverstone for round two of the 2015 Showdown, and it was also the circuit where he and team owner Paul Bird decided to ditch Kawasaki and return to Ducati.
As a result, Byrne is eager to produce performances at the Northamptonshire track which put the frustrations of last season behind him and the Be Wiser Ducati rider is confident he has the package to support him for wins at the season opener.
"I think the work we have done, the structure and method we've followed will stand us in far greater stead for racing than it will for a one off qualifying lap," he explained.
"At the same time in my last exit I learnt more about the Ducati on those three or four laps than I did in the rest of the race weekend. That is because it is not until you push to the limit that you really understand.
"We've been working in a way so we understand what we've been doing and won't have to go back over anything. We are working towards being strong in races which is ultimately important. To start from the second row in our first full attempt on a brain-out lap is a pretty good effort by the team."
