KENT motorcycle ace Shane Byrne will discover this weekend where his MotoGP future lies as the season closes in Valencia.

Byrne’s manager, Andrew Whitney, will be at the Spanish circuit and expects to be “80 per cent sure,” of the identity of the ex-Sheppey-based rider’s team for 2005.

“We won’t be dotting i’s or crossing t’s, but deals are often done in the paddock at the last race of the season,” said Whitney.

“That’s where we effectively secured Shakey’s ride last time and by Monday we’ll have a clear idea of the rides available.

“There are a lot of people who have been impressed by Shane’s riding and his personality and we’ve had offers from several teams.”

Whitney is focussing on keeping his man in the premier motorcycling class. But he does admit it will be difficult to break into a leading team after just one season.

“There is a lot to learn in GP. Coming from BSB, Shane had to learn all the tracks from scratch and he’s had a couple of crashes.

“Negotiations in GP are very strategic and one issue is building experience and profile in the series."