Shakey ready to up his pace at Assen

Shane Byrne has revealed just how frustrated he is at his results in the opening three rounds of the World Superbike Championship and is targeting a return to the front at this weekends Assen race.

Byrne who topped the timesheets in winter testing has so far been unable to replicate the same stunning pace in the races.

Despite not racing at Assen since the changes in 2006, the 32 year old is hoping for a return to form at a circuit where his Sterilgarda Ducati should work well.

Speaking to MCN, he said:

“After the start we’ve had I really want a special weekend at Assen because I’m really pissed off with the way things have gone.

“It’s no ones fault but since the testing in Portimao we’ve just had a little something missing.

“We’re three rounds in and the best result is sixth. I expected to be knocking on the door of the podium at every race – what’s going on?

“But I’m certainly not doubting myself and I’m confident things will start to go our way.

“Maybe we underestimated the level of the Yamaha and the Aprilia, but I still feel that we deserve a podium.

“There’s not been a single race where I felt that I’ve done well and what’s come out of it is the importance to be at the front in qualifying.

“If you’re not there at the start in this class it’s really hard to be there at the finish.

“Everyone is so level and if you have to pass a lot of people early on you don’t have any tyre left when you need it at the end.”