Q&A: Shane Byrne.

'Shakey' won the 2003 BSB title with Paul Bird's Monstermob Ducati team, then spent two years on uncompetitive machinery in MotoGP before returning to the domestic championship with Rizla Suzuki in 2006.

Byrne then returned to Paul Bird's team, now on Honda machinery, for this season, where he finished fifth in the championship. Byrne will join rising star Leon Camier on the new 1098R in BSB for 2008.

Q:
Where does the nickname 'Shakey' come from?

Shane Byrne:
It's actually really boring, in fact if I'd thought about it I'd of lied about it from the word go!!! Basically I got out of a swimming pool as a kid in Spain and one of my friends called me Shakey Shane because I was standing there shivering as it was a bit breezy, how boring is that, I was only about 11 at the time and since then it stuck.

Q:
What is your favourite food?

Shane Byrne:
I like all sorts of food, I reckon you'd struggle to beat my mum's Christmas dinner though ha ha. I love pasta though and the odd Chinese.

Q:
What are your major likes and dislikes?

Shane Byrne:
Winning is a major like! Traffic jams and being told what to do are dislikes!!!

Q:
Now that you have joined the Wrigley's Airwaves Ducati Team, what are your aims and targets for the forth coming season and the future?

Shane Byrne:
Obviously I see this as an absolutely fantastic opportunity for me and one that I don't intend to waste. First and foremost I need to ensure that I'm going to be fit and strong from the minute testing starts so it's going to be maximum time in the gym, running and possibly a little bit of motocross over the winter.

Secondly I need to get a good bond with my team and complete as many laps as possible throughout winter testing in order to get a good understanding of my bikes. Then I'd like to think that with this team and bike behind me, podiums, race wins and ultimately the British Superbike championship will come!

Q:
Who is your favourite rider of all time?

Shane Byrne:
Kevin Schwantz

Q:
Do you have any role models, on or off the track?

Shane Byrne:
Not especially, I like to do things my own way, I train hard and ride hard which is what's needed in our championship.

Q:
What advice do you have for kids whose ambition is to become a pro rider?

Shane Byrne:
I think that they should never give up trying to make it happen. Being a motorcycle racer is all I've ever wanted for as long as I can remember; my parents don't even have a driving license for a car let alone a motorcycle, so if you want it, keep pushing and one day if you're lucky it'll come to you.

Q:
Do you have a message for your fans?

Shane Byrne:
I hope that each and everyone of them is as happy as I am with this opportunity I have with Airwaves Ducati and GSE racing and that they continue their much valued support, see you on the podium!!!!!

Q:
Do you have any superstitions which you have to carry out before a race?

Shane Byrne:
Nothing major, Petra [girlfriend] always has some tissue folded into a square for me to blow my nose, she then gives me my earplugs and always gives me my left glove first, that's not too bad is it?

Q:
Have you spoken to Leon since it was announced that you are going to be team mates next year?

Shane Byrne:
No I haven't, although in fairness I'm not sure he has my number, I did text him after his crash this year wishing him a speedy recovery. I dare say we'll have plenty to talk about once testing starts.