Shane Byrne warmed up for this weekend’s World Superbike visit to Monza with a wildcard victory in the Italian Superbike Championship.

Byrne (pictured right) was racing on the famous Monza circuit in preparation for the fifth round of the world event, which he has so far struggled to make an impact in.

The Sittingbourne racer has finished no higher than sixth in the previous four meetings for Team Sterilgarda.

Byrne said: "The Italian championship is a really good level and it allowed me to get a good feeling with the Monza track. I was able to do 16 laps at an excellent pace which makes me confident for the world championship round."

It was the first time Byrne had tasted victory since the last round of the British Championship at Brands Hatch in October.