Glenn Irwin believes Sunday's win in the British Superbike Championship is a major positive for BeerMonster Ducati.
Despite Silverstone not traditionally being Ducati's strongest track, Irwin banished any doubts with an impressive ride to take the chequered flag in Race Three.
It followed an earlier podium finish in Race Two, helping Irwin collect 43 points as he kicked off the new BSB season in positive fashion.
Read more: Jack Kennedy admits he has 'set the bar high' after brilliant BSB opener
The Carrick rider is back for a second spell with Ducati following four years with Kawasaki and Honda.
Irwin said: "Yeah, it bodes so well for the future. I have loved the bike from day one in Navarra (pre-season test) and then we got he 2023 engine.
"We still have a few bits to add but the bike is just fantastic."
Reflecting on his winning race, Irwin added: "I probably went too eager in parts. I was trying to save it but I also wanted to get to the front because my first lap wasn't as good as what I wanted.
"I was struggling at the end and I ended up using a lot of road out of turn one. I was hitting the kerb on the exit, but better doing that than high-siding it.
"So everything I did in practice I tried to implement in the race."
Meanwhile, Fermanagh's Lee Johnston claimed a thrilling double in the British Supersport Championship.
Johnston was ahead when a red flag ended Saturday's Sprint Race prematurely, but he saw the chequered flag in Sunday's second race to claimed a maximum haul of 50 points.
His second victory came by the margin of just 0.062secs. over Rhys Irwin.
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