Byrne: The factory bikes are very strong

Shane Byrne has apologised to his team for being unable to put together two stronger results for Sterilgarda Ducati on home ground after suffering a crash in race one.

Having qualified in seventh position, Byrne ran as high as sixth in the first race and was in contention for a top five finish, only for him to fall out of contention on lap nine with a tumble at Tosa on lap nine.

Spies, Byrne, Imola WSBK Race 2 2009
Spies, Byrne, Imola WSBK Race 2 2009
© Gold and Goose

Shane Byrne has apologised to his team for being unable to put together two stronger results for Sterilgarda Ducati on home ground after suffering a crash in race one.

Having qualified in seventh position, Byrne ran as high as sixth in the first race and was in contention for a top five finish, only for him to fall out of contention on lap nine with a tumble at Tosa on lap nine.

Nonetheless, a 'determined' Byrne struck back in race two, capitalising on a strong start to run fourth in the early stages ahead of Jonathan Rea, Ben Spies and Marco Simoncelli.

However, while he was able to keep all three at bay for some time, Byrne admits the might of the factory packages meant he couldn't resist them to the chequered flag, the reigning British champion being forced to settle for seventh.

"I'm sorry for race one," he lamented. "I really wanted to do well, especially for the team on their home track. That's why I was even more determined at the start of race two.

"I did climb a few positions but unfortunately the factory bikes were very strong and that's basically the reason I couldn't finish on top. Now we're going to Magny-Cours where we can definitely do well."

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