Shane Byrne targets strong start to next years WSB campaign

Shane Byrne believes that a strong start to next years World Superbike championship will be the key if he wants to fight for podiums and race wins in 2009.

The reigning British Superbike Champion has the advantage of knowing a number of the tracks he’ll be racing on next season especially circuits at the beginning of the year, which could help him make a strong start to his debut WSB season.

Speaking to MCN, the Sterilgarda Ducati rider said: “I know the first four tracks next year so I need to score strong in those. There are tracks I will have to learn, but that isn’t a worry for me. At the Portimao test I was on the pace on the first day and there weren’t a lot of riders on track to learn off.

“Come the races there will be plenty of people on track who know where they are going so that will help. Donington will be the home round, but there are plenty of other cool tracks.”

The news that Brands Hatch is no longer on the calendar comes as a bitter blow to the 31 year old who won two WSB races at the Kent track in 2003 and has subsequently won numerous BSB races at the venue.

“Brands is a shame as is Vallelunga because I went to that track and it looked good.”

Byrne revealed to MCN that his experience at each round varies dramatically and gave us a break down round by round. With no current experience at any on the three Italian tracks, Byrne hasn’t ruled out borrowing a road bike from Ducat and get on a few track days.

R1 Phillip Island – Tested but not raced
R2 Qatar – Raced
R3 Valencia – Tested but not raced
R4 Assen – Raced before changes
R5 Monza – No experience
R6 Kyalami – No experience
R7 Miller – No experience
R8 Misnao – Tested before changes
R9 Donington – Raced
R10 Brno – Tested before breaking wrist
R11 Nurburgring – No experience
R12 Imola – two laps in testing
R13 Magny Cours – No experience
R14 Portimao – Tested