Shane Byrne looking forward to new World Superbike season
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Shane Byrne’s patience was tested to the
limit in the off-season – but on the eve of the World Superbike
season the Sittingbourne rider insists he’s finally coming to the
boil.
The 33-year-old (pictured) shrugged off
Sterilgarda Ducati’s money worries to secure a top ten finish last
term and a podium place at Misano before walking away from the team
at the end of the campaign.
Desperate to retain his links with the
Ducati machinery, the 2008 British Superbike champion completed a
switch to Althea Racing in November.
Byrne endured some early bike troubles with
his new employers but, after clocking the second fastest test time
ahead of this weekend’s opening round at Phillip Island, he is
confident of adding to his solitary podium appearance.
“Last season was a little strange being the
only rider for the team but I’m confident now with the new team,”
said Byrne – who will ride the Ducati 1098R for the Althea Racing
team this year.
“It wasn’t an ideal situation and when I
made the change we had some disappointments at first but we’ve
worked them through and we’re confident with what we’ve got.
“I’ve been around a while and you never
know what is going to occur in the sport so it was frustrating at
times.
“But the new team are a great group and
we’ve been working really well together.
“I’ve got to know all the guys well and it
is good to be working for such a professional
outfit.”
Byrne clocked 1:31.662 minutes in the third
of four test sessions in Australia earlier this week to sit
0.012seconds behind Michel Fabrizio – the fastest man Down
Under.
And with Althea Racing teammate Carlos
Checa sitting in fourth Byrne is praying for a weekend of
Australian sunshine to help him hit the ground running.
“I am looking forward to racing at Phillip
Island and hopefully we’ll have some good weather so that we can
get a good set up on the bike,” added Byrne.
“The tests we have had recently have gone
well and we’ll keep trying to change a few things during the
weekend ahead of the race on Sunday and hopefully we’ll get it
right and can have some good results.
“I’m really happy with the bike and I can’t
wait to get started.”
All Superbike World Championship races will be
broadcast on British Eurosport, with the European rounds also
available in High Defintion, British Eurosport Sky 410 and Virgin
Media 521, Eurosport HD Sky 412.
Thursday, February 25 2010
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