Byrne plays down WSBK rumours.

No suprise Terry Rymer on commentary eurosport, also his manager so more power to this story........

Ahhhhhhh! The penny drops!

I think he could do a job on the Sterilgarda bike. Certainly no worse than either of
their present incumbents.

Shakey is as good as gone from BSB even if he rides a paddock scooter next year he will still be in WSB and more power to him, its a long time coming dude this should have happened in 2004 instead of the ill-thought out big bucks moove he made to Aprillia to develop a bike that was never gonna amount to anything but mid-pack.
I do hope this is confirmed as a done deal sooner rather than later the Duke suits his riding style much more than an inline four though im sure he can make any bike work given enough time. Something he doesnt have as he is ticking on now ! a year on the Sterilgada with a top 8 finish should be enough to see him replace Fabrizio next year assuming he doesnt do good!

I really hope Shakey goes to WSB, preferably with Sterilgarda. Shakey aint getting any younger and with his talent could spend 2 or 3 successful years in WSB before coming back to BSB. I want to see Brits in WSB who can win races and have the potential to be Champion

He'd need to have factory or near factory spec bikes I think. Is the Haga deal signed and sealed?? One of the commentary blokes (riding in BSB supersport) didn't think it was..

If he doesn't go this year it'll be too late for him, there are lots of young guys buzzing around looking to move to WSBK so it's now or never for Shakey. I think he knows that too, so he'll be with Sterilgarda next year regardless of what Airwaves offer.
Can't wait for '09. Bryne, Sykes, Rea, Hill.

Hodgson to Airwaves ?

Go For it shakey, sign for Sterilgada and start next seaon on a bike that you will know well, only snag is, learning all the new tracks!
But shakey is a world class rider on his day, theres nothing to lose!

Slightly off topic but i'd forgotton about Hodgson. With Haslam,Crutchlow, Ellison and even Chaz Davies also looking for WSB rides, the WSB paddock could be full of Brits next ye***** I hope the youngsters get rides in preference to some of the older boys. BSB might welcome back the likes of Hodgson & Walker!

This is the perfect time for Shaky to move into WSBK. Sterilgarda's bikes are not far off full factory spec, and probably will be very similar to what he rode in 2008. He lives on the mainland now, so the adjustment in his personal life won't be huge. 2009 in BSB on a Yamaha would be a big risk - if the bike isn't competitive or another team gets full works Dukes, his 2008 could be forgotten quickly.

It's weird....I really don't like him in BSB but would totally back him in WSB.....he's ruined the BSB championship this year (as he did a few years back) being on the best bike early doors but I'd be made up if he did the same happened on the World Stage.....I can't explain it.

re. Haga not having signed 100% - could he be trying to stay with Yamaha?? The new Big-bang R1 could be awesome?!

Smutmonkey - Are you some kind of cnut or what ?

How can Byrne have personally 'ruined' BSB this year, and in 2003 ? What the fcuk are you on about ? He's one of Britains most talented riders who is out there risking his life week in week out for our entertainment (and to earn a wage) !!! Do you think his sole objective was "I'll see if I can fcuk up the BSB championship again this year, like I did in 2003 by doing what I'm paid to do - win races".

What an absolutely stupid comment to make. If anyone's fcuked it up its Ducati Corse and MSV, not an individual rider.

You prat.

I agree with that Nori.

BSB has been excellent this year, in no small part because we have had Byrne's resurrection as one of the UK's best riders. I'm hoping that the rumours are true and that Shakey finally has a competitive ride on the world stage. Sterilgarda looks like a good choice seeing as how Xerox overlooked him in favour of Mr Second Place.

If Haga doesn't win next year with Xerox then I think he never will.

Haga needs to stick with the fours, it's clear that while the ducs stole a march on the fours at the start of the season things have changed slightly, neither Shakey no Bayliss can buy a win... You'd be made not to want to be on a four next year...
Personally would like to see Lean H in WSBK on....

It is not suprising that he has been linked to a World Superbike rider for the 2009 season and beyond due to the confident and stylish manner that he is leading the British Superbike CHampionship this season. Obviously he will want a competitive ride for the 2009 season and ideally on a Ducati 1098 whether it be an RS or an F spec specification bike to allow to be at least a regular contender for a race win if not the title in a very competitive series, and I do believe he will in the WSBK full time within the next 2-3 years.

Shakers will be there in WSBK next year I have no doubt, and very likely with Sterilgada. I mean who else ranks above him now, given that Bayliss is throwing the towel in and Biaggi & Xaus are also off ? The man who has won the BSB title on a Duke twice (lets hope), and stomped the opposition AND the entire WSBK field twice in one afternoon surely has to rank alongside the worlds best Ducati riders ? He won't be going there to make up the numbers and settle in gently either. He feels he has unfinished business in WSBK, and I for one agree. He'll be going for it right from the first green light. Might not win the title in 2009 (although stranger things have happened) but could do in 2010...

Think he'll be saying what he'll be doing on sunday, he says hopefully there will be a few things to celebrate sunday afternoon.

Nitro, you seem to be very vocal towards anyone who doesn't agree with your way of thinking. You slate Max for destroying your championship last year when everyone could see Nori was his own worst enemy for throwing points away by trying to hold on to a place with countless laps left when the guys behind were running far faster pace.
Then you attack smutmonkey for his oppinion. Its his oppinion and is valid EVEN IF YOU DON'T agree with it. Explain why you disagree rather than insults. I think that a runaway rider in any championship destroys it. It's only when he's YOUR hero that it's the best thing to see.
Shakey COULD do things in WSBK, or fall flat when the competition is stiffer.

Blinkers, I am vocal towards anyone who suggests that ANY rider purposefully tries to spoil the spectacle and entertainment value of a motorcycling championship.

That is an absurd thing to say, and quite frankly, warrants a few more people being 'vocal' as you put it.

I don't agree with the comment whatsoever, so what do you expect me to do ? I explained why I didn't agree - a rider would not purposefully ride out onto the circuit at each meeting with the sole intention of 'ruining' the event and the championship. Does it need to be any clearer than that ? Please let me know so that I can type in a larger font...

Current HM Plant Honda rider Cal Crutchlow will leave BSB at the end of the season to join the factory Yamaha World Supersport team in 2009. The 23-year-old Brit will line up alongside the former World Supersport Champion Fabien Foret in the official Yamaha team as a replacement for Australian Broc Parkes after signing a multi year deal that will take him to WSB in 2010 depending on results.