Be Wiser Ducati’s Shane Byrne was the quickest rider in mixed conditions during the opening free practice session at Oulton Park today, and it was the first time that the multiple-champ had really tested out his Panigale in very damp conditions.
But Byrne is enjoying developing his machine, with a new manufacturer for 2016 and a new crew too, and even though he would have liked to have been a little bit quicker in the dry this afternoon he is happy with the development of the bike so far.
The Brit finished the second free practice session fifteenth fastest on the timing-screens, and did find the dry conditions this afternoon a tad ‘tricky’ on the Cheshire circuit. But the weather is meant to be wet for remaining days of the race weekend, and Byrne was content with his pace in the damper conditions.
“Today was just about finding my feet because I have never ridden the bike in the wet so we had a semi wet session at Silverstone but nothing near full wet. In some ways this morning’s session was the closest that we have had full wet, but even then it was kind of drying in places and more damp than wet in others,” said Byrne, speaking to bikesportnews.com from the track.
“Our job is to do the best job whatever the conditions are and this afternoon’s session was little more tricky. Sometimes the thing that I really like about the change of manufacture and the new team members is that every weekend is a challenge.
“There is no complacency anymore, we cant turn up with a bank of settings that we can just fire at the bike and we know they are going to work and go out and try the best you can. You have to do your work and go through everything and discover the way to make the bike good , and that is the bit I am really enjoying.
“Like I said throughout pre-season testing whilst we have not topped any timesheets or blown anyone away we have got ourselves in a position where we need to be by the time we need to be in that position.
“Yes this morning was really good and the weather is meant to be like that for the rest of the weekend, but I would be much happier if we were faster in the dry and hopefully if we do have any dry conditions we will be better too.”