'Shakey' shakes off controversy in P1.

Shane Byrne shrugged off the controversy surrounding his '1098' Ducati in opening free practice for the fourth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park by sneaking the fastest time.

Surging to the top of the timesheets in the opening minutes, Byrne resisted competition from a returning Karl Harris to edge the Yamaha rider by just a few hundredths.

Indeed, having missed out on a double at Brands Hatch two weeks ago, 'Shakey' is determined to make amends this weekend.

"Not winning the double at Brands Hatch has got me really fired up for this weekend," he said. "I have pretty much been looking forward to Donington ever since the end of race two at Brands Hatch! I think we will do well, it's a circuit that suits the Ducati 1098R."

Together with Honda's Cal Crutchlow in third, himself just three thousandths of a second behind Harris, it made it three different manufacturers in the top three.

Leon Haslam led the way early on before being bumped down to an eventual fourth, ahead of Leon Camier, Tom Sykes and Michael Rutter. James Ellison, Tristan Palmer and Billy McConnell rounded out the top ten.

In the Daily Star Cup, Chris Burns led the way on his Agusta in 18th place overall, ahead of Suzuki's Luke Quigley and Gary Mason. Runaway championship leader John Laverty was fourth in class.

Second free practice will take place later this afternoon.