This Just In From Camel:

Shane Byrne ready for Camel Honda debut at Sepang

Shane "Shakey" Byrne will make his Camel Honda debut alongside Alex Barros at the Sepang circuit on Friday amidst a wave of excited expectation from the British fans. The former British Superbike Champion replaces Troy Bayliss, who has returned to his home in Monaco to recover from a recent operation to repair damage to his broken wrist, and will continue with the team at the next round in Qatar. The team is ready to offer him the maximum level of support as he looks to adapt to a bike he is riding for the first time. Alex Barros has twice finished on the podium at Sepang, in 2002 and 2004, and is hoping to do so again as he aims to put the disappointment of Motegi behind him. It promises to be a tough Grand Prix for the riders and technicians given the extremely hot and humid conditions but both Camel Honda team riders have plenty of motivation to get the best possible result.

Sito Pons - Camel Honda
"The race in Malaysia is an important one for us. Alex has had good results there with us in 2002 and he was also on the podium last season. Hopefully he can be fighting for the front positions once again. Unfortunately Troy can't be with us in Sepang or Qatar so for these two races we will be joined by Shane Byrne, an English rider who has done very well in Superbikes and has a year and a half of MotoGP experience. I think that with a competitive bike and team he will be able to show his true ability. I hope he adapts quickly to the Honda and to the team".

Alex Barros #4:
"Sepang is one of the most physically challenging circuits on the calendar, as is Qatar. The heat and humidity are incredible for both the riders and the bike. Sometimes the engine gets so hot that it burns your hands and feet! Such extreme conditions are also a tough test for the tyres, as well as the engine and the suspension but we had some really good tests there in preseason and we already have a good base set-up to start from. I want to have a good race so that I can recover some points in the championship so hopefully we can start well from the first free practice on Friday".

Shane Byrne #67:
"I thought my season was over but now I have this fantastic chance to ride a Honda, I still can't believe it. It will be tough because everybody has high expectations but I'm determined not to waste this opportunity. I have never raced in Malaysia but I did test there with Aprilia. It is a technical circuit and I like it but until I ride there on the RC211V I don't know what to expect. I have only ever dreamed of riding a bike like this."