Xerox Ducati target Shane Byrne for 2009

Shane Byrne has emerged as a target for the Xerox Ducati team to race in the World Superbike Championship in 2009.

Team boss Davide Tardozzi has confirmed to MCN that British Superbike series leader Shane Byrne is one of the riders on their wish list to join the factory squad next season.

With Troy Bayliss retiring at the end of the year there will be at least one ride available in the team, possibly two depending on current rider Michel Fabrizio’s performances during the rest of 2008.

Ducati won’t suffer from a lack of interest in the ride and are believed to be targeting a whole host of world class riders in an effort to replace Ducati legend, Troy Bayliss.

Shakey Byrne is currently run away leader in this year’s British Superbike Championship riding for the Airwaves Ducati squad.

After five rounds he leads the standings by 83 points having taken seven wins and it’s this pace and consistency that has put him in line for the coveted ride in World Superbikes.
 
For full story see this week’s MCN out today (Wednesday, June 18, 2008).