Byrne Set to Make Waves with Ducati
Added on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Byrne Set to Make Waves with Ducati
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne will represent Airwaves Ducati for the 2008 British Superbikes season.
Byrne will race for Airwaves Ducati completing the switch from Stobart Vent-Axia and will ride the new 1200cc L-Twin 1098R
The move reunites ‘Shakey’ with the marque that he rode on course to his 2003 British Superbikes Championship and is one of a number of changes to sweep BSB for the coming season.
Former Supersport Champion Leon Camier will join him in what is a new-look line-up for the Ducati-backed team.
Camier made a positive start to last term, catching the eye with strong rides, but who is currently recovering from leg injuries suffered in a heavy crash during the Cadwell Park round.
The 21-year-old should however be fit in time for the opening BSB round on April 6.
One Airwaves Ducati rider moving away from the team is Leon Haslam, who moves to HM Plant Honda to replace 2007 champion Ryuchi Kiyonari whilst Rizla Suzuki’s Cal Crutchlow has also moved to the Honda-backed side.
Haslam, who rode for Honda in the World 500cc series, was delighted with the switch.
“I’m so excited to be back with Honda on the new Fireblade” said the 21-year-old.
“Honda is a very big part of my family’s history and the new bike looks like a winner straight out of the crate. I just can’t wait for the next season to get started.”
New teammate Cal Crutchlow was equally enthusiastic:
“I think in my first season of BSB I’ve done myself proud and enjoyed it immensely – moving to HM Plant Honda is a fantastic opportunity and is a step towards winning the title which has always been my aim,” said the young Coventry rider.
“I was a winner with Honda in Supersport, and have only had a year away so it is good to be coming home.”
