Shane Byrne’s patience was tested to the limit in the off-season – but on the eve of the World Superbike season the Sittingbourne rider insists he’s finally coming to the boil.

The 33-year-old (pictured) shrugged off Sterilgarda Ducati’s money worries to secure a top ten finish last term and a podium place at Misano before walking away from the team at the end of the campaign.

Desperate to retain his links with the Ducati machinery, the 2008 British Superbike champion completed a switch to Althea Racing in November.

Byrne endured some early bike troubles with his new employers but, after clocking the second fastest test time ahead of this weekend’s opening round at Phillip Island, he is confident of adding to his solitary podium appearance.

“Last season was a little strange being the only rider for the team but I’m confident now with the new team,” said Byrne – who will ride the Ducati 1098R for the Althea Racing team this year.

“It wasn’t an ideal situation and when I made the change we had some disappointments at first but we’ve worked them through and we’re confident with what we’ve got.

“I’ve been around a while and you never know what is going to occur in the sport so it was frustrating at times.

“But the new team are a great group and we’ve been working really well together.

“I’ve got to know all the guys well and it is good to be working for such a professional outfit.”

Byrne clocked 1:31.662 minutes in the third of four test sessions in Australia earlier this week to sit 0.012seconds behind Michel Fabrizio – the fastest man Down Under.

And with Althea Racing teammate Carlos Checa sitting in fourth Byrne is praying for a weekend of Australian sunshine to help him hit the ground running.

“I am looking forward to racing at Phillip Island and hopefully we’ll have some good weather so that we can get a good set up on the bike,” added Byrne.

“The tests we have had recently have gone well and we’ll keep trying to change a few things during the weekend ahead of the race on Sunday and hopefully we’ll get it right and can have some good results.

“I’m really happy with the bike and I can’t wait to get started.”

All Superbike World Championship races will be broadcast on British Eurosport, with the European rounds also available in High Defintion, British Eurosport Sky 410 and Virgin Media 521, Eurosport HD Sky 412.