Samsung Honda's Alex Lowes is determined not to let MCE British Superbike series leader Shane Byrne have things all his own way at this weekend's Oulton Park round, saying he needs to reign in the champion's winning streak.

The Lincolnshire rider, who managed to knock half a second off his best time at Knockhill during a recent test, will be looking to extend his run of podiums at the Cheshire circuit and take his first win of the season.

"We have been able to do a lot of the work at the recent test that we couldn’t do because of the bad weather pre-season and now I am understanding the bike a lot more – that showed in the test because I was able to lap Knockhill half a second faster than I had done before. Things are all good for me, I get on well with the team and am working really well with them and am ready for Oulton Park," said Lowes.

"It’s a favourite circuit for everyone, though the weather there can always be changeable and interesting. But we have improved the bike a bit more and now I have to keep consistent, with more podiums. I need to challenge Shane Byrne a bit more though, give him something to think about at the front and not let him get too far clear.”