Newlyﷺ crowned double🌼 British Superbike champion Shane Byrne will race in the World Superbike Championship in 2009, after completing a switch to the Sterilgarda Ducati team.

Byrne's immediate future has been a popular topic of speculation in recent mon⭕ths, but the Kent rider has always been quick to play down rumours linking him with a variety of berths.

However, following confirmation yesterday that he will not return to the British Championship to defend the crown he won at Silver𒁃stone this weekend, a move to GMB Racing, alias Sterilgar🔯da Ducati, had been much anticipated.

Citing the chance to remain on a Ducati 1098 as a big draw for him, Byrne is thrilled to be getting a chance on the world sta𝓰ge having only previous competed as a (double race winningও) wild-card.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the Sterilgarda Go eleven team to participate in the 2009 WSB championship, it's the perfect progression for me having secured the 2008 BSB championship last weekend at Silverstone on very similar Ducati machinery, any team that can run riders of Max Biaggi and Ruben Xaus's꧃ standard can only be at the top of their game," he said.

"I look forward to benefiting from the team and Ducati's experience to make the transition as st🤪raightforward as possible for me and caဣn't wait for my first opportunity to start working with my new team."

Tꦦhe Sterilgarda team have enjoyed decent success in just three seasons of World Superbike competition, with Xaus winning a race at Valencia last year and Misano this year, while Biaggi has been a frequent podium finisher.

However, with the two e𝓀xperienced riders moving on for 2009, team manager Marco Borciani describes Byrne has the ideal replacement to lead theಌ team into next season.

"For the 2009 season w🧸e will line up two new riders. I would𒅌 like to thank Ruben Xaus who helped the team to grow up in the last three years and Max Biaggi who have brought prestige to our team. I wish the best to both the riders for their new adventures respectively on BMW and Aprilia.

"In oജrder to replace two great riders as Ruben and Max I searched for a sure tale🧔nted rider who can be able to assure high-level performances. After many meetings with several riders, our choice has been defined on Shane, who has impressed me for his results and - above all - for his human skills."

Byrne becomes the fourth British rider to be confirmed to the bumper 2009 World Superbike grid, joining BSB counterpart Tom Sykes, as well as former rivals Tommy Hill and Jonathan Re⛦a.

Meanwhile, Sterilgarda's Superstock rider, Alex Polita, is tipped to graduate to Superbikes to fill the 𒀰second seat.