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Byrne stays out in front

11:21, 12 May 2008

Shane Byrne on the rostrum at Brands Hatch. Picture: Andy Payton
Shane Byrne on the rostrum at Brands Hatch. Picture: Andy Payton

Shane Byrne extended his lead in the British Superbike Championship with a win and second place at Brands Hatch.

His fellow Kent rider and Airwaves Ducati team-mate Leon Camier enjoyed his third podium of the season, coming third in race two following a fifth place in the first race.

From the start of race one, Byrne, from Sittingbourne, dropped to sixth before recovering to third within three laps to pull away with the leading trio.

Having held fourth position for five laps Camier slipped down to fifth, where he eventually finished.

Byrne remained in third until the second half of the 20 lap race, when he overtook Tom Sykes and Cal Crutchlow in quick succession, to take the chequered flag and his third successive win.

At the start of race two both Airwaves Ducati riders had to work hard for their positions.

Byrne and Camier had moved through the field to third and fourth position respectively when the safety car entered the race on lap 14.

The race distance was extended to 23 laps but a red flag shortly after meant the result was declared with Byrne in second position and Camier, from Ashford, in third.

Byrne now leads the championship by 44 points but he had mixed feelings about his day.

“If I am honest I am slightly disappointed with the second place; the Airwaves Ducati package is so good we definitely had the pace to do the double again today," he said.

"The Airwaves Ducati was absolutely flying this weekend, we were by far the fastest people on track and that is testament to the GSE Racing team who have worked so hard all weekend.

"I really wanted to bring them another double but it wasn’t to be.

"We have secured some good championship points though and I will come back even stronger at Donington in a couple of weeks.”

Camier, who is now third in the championship, was pleased with his result.

"It has been a good day although slightly frustrating at times," he said. "I feel as though I had the pace for at least a win or second place in both races, although Shakey would have been hard to beat today.

"I felt good on the bike I was just struggling to get going on my first few laps, once I got into my rhythm I felt great and I was able to keep up with Shakey so I knew I was right on pace I just need to work on getting away better.

"I am pleased that I got another podium and more championship points; I am looking forward to getting to Donington and pushing for a win there.”

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