Heavy rain blighted both 50-minute sessions at the 2.60-mile long GP circuit, giving the riders plenty of time to work on the wet set-up on their GSX-R1000s. Ducati’s Leon Haslam was fastest.

Byrne said: “I am happy with my Rizla Suzuki’s handling in wet conditions. I tried a couple of different wet-weather tyres and have an idea which one I would like to use if it rains on Sunday.

“It’s great to be back at Brands Hatch racing at the GP circuit, it is one of my favourites and closest to my home in England. For the fans and for me, I hope the sun comes out for the rest of the weekend. It’s always more fun racing in the dry.”

James Haydon started the weekend snapping at his team mate’s heels. “I missed the fastest period on circuit when a line was drying slightly and just before it rained again; but still managed a quick time later on,” he said.

“We changed the rear shock on my Rizla Suzuki towards the end of the second session and it was a big improvement. I am relaxed and happy with riding and there is a lot more to come from me in either the wet or the dry.”

John Hopkins from Rizla Suzuki Superbike’s sister Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team will be attending Brands Hatch to demonstrate his awesome GSV-R990 race bike tomorrow and Sunday. He will be on track at 1450 on Saturday, September 30th, and 1515 on Sunday, October 1st. He will then join the Rizla Suzuki Superbike team in its garage and hospitality unit and will be signing autographs and meeting the BSB fans.

Practice Times: 1: Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:33.963, 2: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +0.223, 3: Shane Byrne (Rizla Suzuki) +0.360, 4: Karl Harris (Honda) +0.441, 5: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.543, 6: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +0.621, 7: James Haydon (Rizla Suzuki) +2.009, 8: Billy McConnell (Yamaha) +2.887, 9: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +2.966, 10: Michael Rutter (Honda) +3.434.