Shane Byrne will return to the British Superbike Championship next year with the Rizla Suzuki team. The 28-year-old former champion has made the move after suffering two frustrating campaigns in MotoGP, this season he came 24th with six points.
"I'm all done with not winning and having no fun racing," he said.
"I want to be at the front again, something that's not happened much in the last two years for me in MotoGP. I had options and I chose Rizla Suzuki."
The Londoner, who had other offers from World Superbikes, MotoGP and British Superbikes, will partner James Haydon in 2006.
And after struggling for the last two years on uncompetitive Aprilia and Proton KR machines, Byrne is confident he is with right team to reverse his fortunes.
"When considering my options, what was most important to me was to know which team could provide the best possible package to win races," he said.
"Rizla Suzuki came out head and shoulders above the rest in any championship. I want to win and have fun next year and this is the perfect team for me.
"I'm delighted to be a Rizla Suzuki rider. British Superbikes is going to be interesting next year, the series is really competitive and I'm coming back with the best team to get my championship back."
The team will also be looking for a brighter 2006 after a campaign which saw reigning champion John Reynolds struggle with injury.
"I recall seeing first hand the remarkable performance he put in at the Brands Hatch World Superbike round in 2003," said team boss Robert Wicks.
"He'll need that sort of gutsy determination and spirit to make the impact we are looking for week in and week out next year.
"Shane is one of the best riders out there - a previous British Superbike title winner and a critical player in achieving our objectives."
MMIX
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Shane is one of the best riders out there
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