HM Plant Honda's Shane Byrne says he is pleased with his win and podium in yesterday's Thruxton British Superbike races given it was the first time he had ridden the bike in the wet and added he could have gone faster in the second race.

The two-time champion, who increased his series lead over John Hopkins at the Hampshire circuit, had serious vision problems in the first outing where he was mugged by Michael Rutter into the last corner but no such issues in the second which he won by a country mile.

"That was the first time I had ridden the HM Plant Honda Fireblade in the wet conditions and I have to say it was great. I had some real vision problems with my visor and to be honest I couldn’t read my pit board and I only knew it was the last lap because I saw the flag on the start line," said the Kent man.

"I thought ‘oh no it’s the last lap’ and I couldn’t have pushed it any harder. I had a good battle with Michael (Rutter). Race two was a bit easier as I started from pole rather than the back of the grid! After the first race I was desperate to get to the front and just ride my own race.

"I was smoother and the bike was on rails so I couldn’t have been happier. The track was quite grippy and once I got to the front I was comfortable and in a rhythm. I think I could have even gone faster if I pushed a bit but it has been a great weekend and all credit to the team. I can’t wait for Knockhill now.”