Shane Byrne has the British Superbike title within touching distance ahead of the penultimate round of the championship at Silverstone.

Byrne only needs a top 10 finish in one of the two races on Sunday to reclaim the title which he last won in 2003.

The Sittingbourne rider knows the title is almost in the bag - but is keen to get the formalities out of the way.

"It will be good to get the job done in the first race," he said. "I like to ride on the limit, but I have to ensure that I don’t fall down now and that I take the championship."

Byrne started the championship on a flyer with wins or second place finishes in the opening 12 races but in the last eight outings he’s finished no higher than third.

Four races remain in the championship, with the final two taking place at Brands Hatch on October 12. Wins in all four races will equal Byrne’s 12 wins and 488 point haul which he achieved during his 2003 success.

Current standings: 1 Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) 388pts, 2 Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 294, 3 Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) 290, 4 Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) 265, 5 Camier (Airwaves Ducati) 241.