Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne narrowly missed out starting from pole in the opening MCE British Superbike race at Snetterton tomorrow. The rider was three tenths of a second slower, than pole-setter Samsung Honda’s Alex Lowes in the final qualifying session of the day.

Byrne was caught up in traffic on the track which prevented him from attempting a last lap dash. The rider ended the session with his fastest time of 1’48.493, and will start from second on the grid. Even though Byrne did not clinch the number one spot this afternoon he is a bit disappointed, but is still happy with his progress.

“I am pleased with the front row, and that is my aim and that’s the important thing. The first two Superpole sessions were not good for us, and in the third Superpole session we finally got our shit together,” said Byrne.

“I did a lap on my own which was not cool and as I was coming up the start and finish straight another guy came out of the pits and I carried on going and I caught up to him and he started a lap. I sat behind him and waited a lap, to come back around to have another stab at it, but the chequered flag came out.

“I am a little bit disappointed but Alex did a great job with a pretty rapid lap, and full credit to him and the other guys of being up here too.”