Shane Byrne was upstaged by team-mate Carlos Checa in the opening round of the World Superbike Championship in Australia at the weekend.

The Sittingbourne rider's Althea Racing partner Checa claimed victory in the second race of the day at Phillip Island – a maiden win for the Italian team – with Byrne having to settle for 12th place.

Earlier, 33-year-old Byrne, battling a back injury after a high-speed crash in practice, had ended the first race in 14th place meaning his weekend earned him six points.

Byrne (pictured) said: "We found out in Australia that there are a lot of riders who can fight for race wins and that the level of riding is very good."

Byrne’s weekend in Australia was a painful one after a crash during the provisional qualifying session.

Hindered by a back problem the two-time British Superbike champion struggled in qualifying – ending 17th on the starting grid.

But with Checa proving Althea have the machinery to challenge for the top prizes in 2010, Byrne is excited by what lies ahead.

He said: "I think we have a really competitive team now and hopefully the rest of the season can go well."

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