Reigning MCE British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne believes he has no option but to win the remaining five races of 2017 in order to retain his crown for the first time.

Byrne has experienced some disappointing results in recent rounds with just two podiums from six races. He has been relegated to third in the championship chase with a gap of 23 points to leader Leon Haslam but has a good relationship with Assen, which is coming up this weekend.

“The recent run of tracks and the lack of results we've had lately, means only one option, and that is I have to win all remaining five races starting with the two at Assen this weekend. If I do that, even if Leon finishes second to me in every race, I’ll be the champion but it’s nowhere near as simple as that,” said Byrne.

“I'd like to think I perform well under pressure and with the pressure of a title defence and the expectations of the team, manufacturer, sponsors, fans, friends and family upon me, I intend to do my very best to make this happen.”