Sterilgarda Ducati's Shane Byrne has revealed the reason why he dropped back through the field during the second World Superbike race at Qatar yesterday.

Right from the start, his rear Pirelli was spinning on the rim of the 1098R Ducati, meaning the reigning British Superbike Champion steadily lost grip and confidence as the laps counted down.

"It was certainly a more satisfactory race than the previous one.  I had a great race one battling Checa, but after a disappointing first round it was very important for me to finish the race," said Byrne.

"The sixth place is a good result, but I could've done better in race 2, especially after that great start that took me on fourth position. Nevertheless, I knew from the start that something wasn't going the way it should, as the back tyre was spinning on the rim.

"I had to kind of give up a little and try to get as much as possible. Unfortunately, in the last few corners I was passed, I lost a lot of positions and finished twelfth. However, the team have done a great job and fighting for the podium in the next rounds is possible in spite of how hard-fought the competition is."