KENT motorcycle ace Shane Byrne is to move away from his home on Sheppey because he says it’s no longer practical to live there.

Byrne, 27, has lived on the island for two and a half years as his career rocketed from British Superbikes to the MotoGP series.

Now established in the premier motorcycling class, he has set up home in a Swiss tax haven.

Speaking from his new home town of Stafa, just outside Zurich, Byrne said: “The house in Sheppey served its purpose but it really is time to move on now. I can see this being my home now for the foreseeable future.

“It’s the Zurich equivalent of the posh parts of London and so far it looks really nice here.”

Byrne will swap the sea views of Sheppey for views of Lake Zurich from his luxury three-bedroom apartment set in the mountains.

He admitted the tax benefits of living in Switzerland were too good to turn down, given his increased earnings in MotoGP.

But these tax regulations mean he can only spend a limited number of days in the UK to avoid heavy penalties, and he will be sorely missed by his parents, Janet and Peter, with whom he is very close.

His mother said: “It’s better for his racing if he lives over there. I’ve seen pictures and it looks really nice. I’m sure we’ll be taking holidays to go and see him!”

The man known universally as ‘Shakey’, will keep a base in England for visiting family and friends. But that base looks like being away from Sheppey if everything goes to plan.

“Life’s about making money and hopefully I can make a bit on the house and get something behind me in the bank.”

Byrne will have plenty of time free to make plans after revealing he is to miss the rest of the MotoGP season after breaking his wrist in August’s Czech GP. He now an operation.