Shakey: "I've got to start again"

Shane Byrne has admitted he was so disappointed with his 2006 season with Rizla Suzuki, he sees his signing with old team Stobart Honda like the start of a new career in 2007.

Byrne was finally announced as Stobart’s top man last week. And fans’ favourite Byrne – who won the 2003 BSB title with the same team when it ran Ducatis – says he is determined to erase his memories of a nightmare season with Rizla.

The 30-year-old will be on a Honda next year with team-mate Tom Sykes, and said: “It’s like I’ve got to start all over again.

“I think what happened this year has done my reputation a lot of harm. In MotoGP it doesn’t matter where you finish – at the front, in the middle, or even at the back.

“Everyone recognises you are only there because you can ride a motorcycle. But I was right out of it in BSB and that’s not good.”