HM Plant Honda's Shane Byrne used fellow British Superbike veteran Michael Rutter as a marker for a smooth lap during the rain-hit qualifying session at Croft today but managed to pick up his second pole of the season.
The two-time champion was one of the first out in the last part and got in a quick lap before the heavens opened, ensuring he was on the front row while his nearest championship rivals are at least a row behind.
“Pole is good, though a bit more by luck than judgement as the rain came when I was at the fastest part of the circuit. I had Michael Rutter in front of me and used him as a marker – I thought if he stays smooth, then fine, otherwise I would back off. He rode well so I kept on it," said Byrne.
“In the end it worked out fine, and the team has worked hard to sort a setting for the bike that suits this track which is mix of tight and fast flowing corners as well as bumpy. We want to get out there for wins as this is the home circuit of our sponsors HM Plant."
