Malaysian Grand Prix - MotoGP 

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."