Shane Byrne had rival Josh Brookes to thank for ending round four of the MCE Insurance British Superbike season on a high.

Byrne’s weekend at Snetterton didn’t get off to the best of starts as he lasted just five laps in race one before retiring with a technical problem.

But the 35-year-old blew that disappointment out of the water to finish race two in second, holding off the challenge of Australian Brookes in the final few laps to finish behind winner Michael Laverty.

And Byrne (pictured) was quick to point out Brookes’ influence in helping him finish on the podium.

He said: "We put a new engine in the bike after the disappointment of race one and that made it a little bit different to ride.

"It made things a little bit tricky at times but it was a lot of fun still and I am really pleased with the result in the second race.

"Having Josh behind you definitely keeps you honest and I actually thought the penultimate lap was the last lap.

"I came up to the finish line thinking that was it but then I saw the yellow and black flag and thought how am I going to hold him off for another lap?

"But thankfully I did and I am really pleased because having Josh breathing down your neck certainly motivates and keeps you honest that is for sure."

Byrne’s second-race result means he is now well placed in the title hunt, sitting third on 108 points, 16 behind leader Brookes.

And Byrne admits he can’t wait to get back on the bike at Knockhill next month, hopeful the gremlins have all been sorted out.

"The bike was working fantastic all weekend and we took a bit of a gamble by changing things for the last race," he added.

"But I thought things worked a little bit better and hopefully that has turned it around and I am looking forward to Knockhill now."

*British Eurosport is the Home of Bikes, showing all MotoGP, World Superbike and British Superbike races on Sky channels 410 and 411 and Virgin Media channels 521 and 525 as well as eurosportplayer.co.uk