Those Superbike World Championship chaps have been over in Portugal of late, for a big old test. And do you know who’s come out on top overall? Only bloody Shane Byrne, on his non-works Ducati.

With factory Yamaha and Honda riders Tom Sykes and Johnny Rea in 4th and 9th respective, and Leon Haslam in 10th, that’s four Brits inside the top ten. Which isn’t bad for a start. Tommy Hill managed only 23rd.

American Ben Spies on the other works Yamaha finished 2nd, emphatically marking him out as one to watch. Which he already was, to be fair.

Perhaps inevitably, Troy Corser in 11th was the fastest rider with a brand new team; his BMW team-mate Ruben Xaus was down in 25th. On the Aprilia, Shinya Nakano and Max Biaggi were 17th and 18th respectively.

A quick look at the Supersport times uncovers more good news: Cal Crutchlow finished 2nd.

Rule Britannia! Or more accurately: Britannia doing quite well. At this very early stage.