Champion Byrne back on track for the first time since title victory - Printable Version +- TT Website Forum (https://www.ttwebsite.com/forums) +-- Forum: Isle of Man TT Website (https://www.ttwebsite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=3) +--- Forum: Other Race Meetings - MotoGP, WSB & BSB, Irish Roads etc - (https://www.ttwebsite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=13) +--- Thread: Champion Byrne back on track for the first time since title victory (/showthread.php?tid=18722)

Champion Byrne back on track for the first time since title victory - Malcolm - 06-02-2015 Reigning MCE British Superbike Champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne began his title defence in Almeria, Spain, today (Thursday), heading out on circuit to complete his opening laps of the 2015 season. The test began with strong winds at the Spanish circuit, but unfazed the PBM Kawasaki team continued to forge ahead with their development programme and the four-time Champion completed 40 laps to get testing underway as conditions improved. Byrne used the opening day on track to get back up to speed, and whilst testing the team's updates for 2015, he also admitted to working on his riding style as he embarks on his 'strive for five' titles. Byrne was joined on track by team-mate Stuart Easton, who completed less laps than the defending Champion, and the team's road race contender Ian Hutchinson, who clocked up 50 laps on his return to the circuit. Byrne said: "It was great to get back out on track today on the PBM Kawasaki. The conditions weren't favourable but we did get through some good work as a team and I have also been working on my riding style too. You have to keep constantly improving and I have been trying a few different things out myself as a rider. I did 40 laps today and we ticked boxes, which is what this first test is all about. We blew off the cobwebs today and had fun doing some laps again after being off the bike for a few months, so with a better forecast, we can crack on again tomorrow. "From a feeling point of view I think I can honestly say I am more motivated than I have been in any other year - that is why today I have also been trying to improve myself as a rider. To have done what we have on day one is a good start." Easton said: "For me it was just a good feeling to be back on the bike again after a few months off. It was a bit windy this morning, but we have done today what we needed to do, which was to get back out riding and test a few things which sets us up well for tomorrow. I definitely think that all things considered today has gone well and hopefully we can have some good weather tomorrow to move forward." Hutchinson said: "It has been a mega day and I think we have already achieved a lot. The main thing for me was to get out here and do as many laps as possible. This bike feels ready to go straight away and it was nice to be back with the team and get the first laps of 2015 done."