Samsung Honda’s Alex Lowes narrowly missed out on doing the double at the MCE British Superbike race weekend at Silverstone, as he was just pipped to the post by Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne in a photo finish in race two.

The Derby rider came away with the victory in race one, and even though he just missed out on 25 points in race two the rider is more than happy with the improvement he has made on his bike, especially with his race pace.

Lowes still has his sights set firmly on winning the championship, and is prepared to fight with Byrne for the spoils, as only a single point separates the two with the triple champ having the slight edge over the Lincolnshire lad.

“It was a fantastic second race and races like that is what you live for, and I still have a smile on my face even though I was second. In that race the pace was better and I went even quicker,” said Lowes, speaking at the circuit.

“In the end I tried to push again towards the end of the race but Shakey was still there, but fair play to him he was injured in a crash yesterday and worked his ass off and managed to get a win. There is only one point in it now and it is all the play for when we go to Brands.

“I felt pretty strong all the way through, but obviously it was not strong enough. But I can’t be disappointed as I have been there or there a bouts all weekend, I felt I was going quicker so I definitely improved, but now just see how we go into Brands. I can’t be disappointed as I had pole and my races were strong and I didn’t make many mistakes. I feel good and I feel I can put up a fight when I go to Brands."