Byrne against the world in biggest race.

Runaway British Superbike Championship leader Shane Byrne faces the biggest race of his career so far at Brands Hatch this weekend, where the Brit will take on the world's best as the WSBK series visits the UK for the second time this season.

The MonsterMob Ducati ace missed the earlier Silverstone WSB round due to the team's prior commitment at the Isle of Man TT Races, but the 26 year old is planning on locking horns with the likes of Hogdson, Xaus, Toseland and Walker.

"It's going to be tough but I'm going into the meeting on a positive note and I hope to be up there challenging for race wins. I've already won on the circuit this season and we have a good set up so there are no reasons why I can't be competitive. Podiums would be good but a race win would be even better," said 'Shakey'.

So far this season Byrne has won nine out if the sixteen races to date in the British Superbike Championship on his factory specification F02 but hasn't topped the rostrum for the last five races, being forced to settle for safe points in his bid to land his first major title.

Team boss Paul Bird is hoping for a couple of good results on Sunday having made his intentions to compete in the World Superbike Championship full time next season - with Byrne - well known.

"It's important that we go and put on a good show and get our first taste this season of world championship action. We haven't done the last two WSB in this country on the superbike so it will be interesting to see how we and the rest of the wild cards fare. Success will be a welcome detraction but our main aim is the British Championship this season," said Bird who jets straight form Brands to compete in the Manx International Rally next week at the wheel of a works Hyundai World Rally Car.

Meanwhile, there was disappointment for Monstermob Supersport star Stuart Easton - who was also hoping to get a last minute wild-card entry after a superb performance at Mondello Park last weekend. However, his application was rejected due to the number of available places on the grid already being allocated.