Difficult day for Shakey

It must have been an unusual day for Shane Byrne to leave Australia without a single point from the opening round of the World Superbike Championship.

The Sheppey rider dominated the British Superbike Championship last year on his way to his second title. However, last season’s success would have seemed a long time ago, as two crashes on Sunday saw his opening round end prematurely.

After a successful 2008 season, Byrne was rewarded with a ride in the World Championship with Sterilgarda Ducati. Judging by the formbook at the time it seemed to be a good move for Shakey and one that would give him the chance to shine in the series.

However, it was always going to be a tall order for Shakey at the first round in Australia. He went into the meeting on the back foot with his team unable to compete in a three-day test session earlier in the month.

With the World Superbike Championship being won or lost on fractions of seconds, track time is imperative and Byrne had little going into the event.

In many ways I believe the first race was a shock for Byrne as he got to see just how competitive the series is. However, he will probably feel slightly aggrieved to see Leon Haslam, who he beat on many occasions last season in BSB, finish on the rostrum in third place.

With just two races gone this season it is far too early to write off Byrne’s and the Sterilgarda team’s chances. In an official test in Portugal in January, Byrne topped the time sheets, which shows he has the speed and skill to compete at this level and win.

As he settled down in the second race on Sunday you could see glimpses of his class, as he rose up to 11th place, passing five bikes in as many laps, before he retired.

I feel the true form of Byrne will be back, when the series heads to Qatar for the next round on March 14.