Shane Byrne suffered a case of World Superbike déjà vu at the season opener in Australia but the Sittingbourne rider has vowed to hog the headlines for all the right reasons in Portugal.

Byrne, pictured, came away from the 2009 season with just one podium finish from 28 races – ending eighth in the overall standings.

And he was off the pace at the curtain raiser at Phillip Island ending 14th and 12th as Althea Racing team-mate Carlos Checa stole the limelight with victory in race two.

The Portimao track holds happy memories for Byrne, however, after the 33-year-old ended the Portugese pre-season test in third overall behind fellow Brits Leon Haslam and Jonny Rea.

And despite being outperformed by Checa last time out, the former British Superbike champion is adamant this weekend will be a different story.

"Race day in Australia just didn’t go my way at all," said Byrne who won the domestic crown in 2003 and 2008.

"In the first race I was too keen in the early laps and paid the price. And then in race two, I was a little bit more settled but ended up crossing the line in 12th which I was not happy about.

"But after the weekend, I felt like I was happy with the way I was riding just disappointed with my positions.

"But I ended up battling with guys that will win races this year and I believe I’m one of them again now.

"At the last race I was pleased for Carlos’ side of the garage for his amazing win and hopefully at Portimao it will be me giving everyone something to cheer about."

All World Superbike 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.