By Julian Shea

Byrne had a troubled debut season in MotoGP

British MotoGP rider Shane Byrne admits he is stepping into the unknown for this season's campaign, which starts this weekend - and he could not be happier at the prospect.

The fprmer British Superbikes champion has signed for the Austrian manufacturer KTM, which is making its MotoGP debut.

KTM has teamed up with legendary former world champion Kenny Roberts' Team KR, and Byrne is excited by the prospect of what they can do together.

"Team Roberts are the most experienced guys in the paddock, and in KTM we've got a brand new manufacturer who's so keen and enthusiastic," he told BBC Sport.

"I've got the perfect combination of youthful exuberance and experience, it's like putting an old head on young shoulders.

"It's a brand new project, which is why I'm so excited about it."

After years of success in British Superbikes, Byrne made his MotoGP debut last season.

For someone so used to winning in a less exacting environment, struggling in the more rarified air of MotoGP must have been a deeply frustrating experience.

Injuries and problems with his Aprilia bike meant he completed only nine races, and when Aprilia decided not to return to MotoGP there was speculation Byrne may return to Superbikes.

I've got a lot of belief in the potential of this team and I want to be the one to take it forward Shane Byrne

But despite receiving offers, Byrne was not interested in taking a backward step.

"Last year was by far the biggest step I've ever taken," he said

"Aprilia knew it would be a learning experience - that's what they employed me for - and it actually went a lot better than expected.

"I owe them a great deal for giving me the chance. and I'm over the moon to still be competing in MotoGP."

Byrne is clearly a man still willing to learn, and there can be few better tutors than three-time world 500cc champion Roberts.

The Californian stormed onto the world stage in 1978 when he deposed reigning Grand Prix champion Barry Sheene in his debut season, heralding years of success, and Byrne is happy to listen to his advice.

"Working with Kenny is amazing - he's probably forgotten more than I've ever learned. How could anyone not want to work with him?" he said.

"You never stop learning, every year should be a learning experience.

Byrne says he is excited by the prospect of the new season

"It's just that each year, you start off with a little more base knowledge than before."

Although he only signed his contract with KTM less than a fortnight before the start of the season, Byrne clearly has high hopes for what they can achieve together.

"KTM and Team Roberts are learning from one another so it's just a matter of trying to get things up to speed as soon as possible."

With so much of the set-up being new, Byrne admits it is hard to make predictions about what the team can achieve as he has no idea how the bike may develop.

"You don't just build a bike and take it to the track and race it, so we've got to chip away and try to move forward.

"It's difficult to set goals as I don't know how much better the bike is going to get but I certainly hope we'll get in the race for some points, and top 10 finishes ideally.

"I've got a lot of belief in the potential of this team and I want to be the one to take it forward."

While Byrne is clearly thrilled at the prospect of a new chapter in his own career, he does not expect too much change in the overall championship.

Fired-up Hopkins raring to go

"I think the same old names will be there come the end of the season, but some new names will come through - I can't see John Hopkins not ending up on the podium.

"There's a number of other guys who've got the tools to do well so it's just a case of them actually managing to do it.

"I think there'll be plenty of people in contention race to race, but overall I can't see past Valentino Rossi."