Sterilgarda Ducati have confirmed this afternoon that newly-crowned British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne will join the squad to contest the 2009 World Superbike Championship.
Byrne officially quit the Airwaves Ducati team at yesterday's British Superbike meeting just hours after taking his second BSB crown, but the speculation of where he was headed iintensified overnight. Sterilgarda has been the favoured option, but Byrne was also linked with several other teams.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the Sterilgada Go eleven team to participate in the 2009 WSB championship, it's the perfect progression for me having secured the 2008 BSB championship  at Silverstone on very similar Ducati machinery," said Byrne.
"Any team that can run riders of Max Biaggi and Ruben Xaus's standard can only be at the top of their game, I look forward to benefiting from the team and Ducati's experience to make the transition as straightforward as possible for me and can't wait for my first opportunity to start working with my new team”
Team manager Marco Borciani added:  “In order to replace two great riders as Ruben and Max I searched for a  talented 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. He will have the opportunity to test the new bike in Portimao, after the end of the last round."
Speculation can now begin as to who will replace Byrne at GSE Yamaha in 2009. It is thought that Leon Camier has either signed or is close to it. Who else is in the frame is anyone's guess and team boss Colin Wright always plays his cards close to his chest.