Shane Byrne will be competing in the World Superbike Championship next year after agreeing to ride for Italian team Althea Racing.

Byrne finished eighth in last year’s championship with Team Sterilgarda but is now facing a new challenge alongside experienced Spanish rider Carlos Checa.

Althea ran just one Honda bike last season but will switch to the Ducati machines for the 2010 season.

Sittingbourne rider Byrne is a two-time British Superbike champion and has also tasted two seasons in Moto GP.

After concluding the deal he said: “This is only going to make me push even harder, I’m so pumped. Having Carlos as a team mate will be good and the overall hunger and enthusiasm of the team is a massive bonus. I literally can’t wait to get going.”

The Althea team are expected to put their new riders through their paces next month in Valencia ahead of January testing in Portimao, Portugal.

Ashford rider Leon Camier meanwhile remains the front-runner to be handed the vacant ride at Aprilia.

He is currently testing with the team in Misano and they are expected to announce their second rider this week, after already agreeing a deal with Max Biaggi.