The 28 year old, who won the British Superbike Championship in 2003 and then spent two tough years racing in the ultra-competitive MotoGP class, signed a contract with Rizla Suzuki last week.

"I had options in World Superbike, MotoGP and British Superbikes and I chose Rizla Suzuki," enthused the Londoner who now resides in Zurich, Switzerland. "I'm all done with not winning and having no fun racing. I want to be at the front again - something that's not happened much in the last two years for me in MotoGP.

"When considering my options, what was most important to me was to know which team could provide the best possible package to win races. 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. BSB is going to be interesting next year - the series is real competitive and I'm coming back with the best team to get my Championship back."

In 2003 'Shakey' beat Rizla Suzuki's own John Reynolds to the title and proved his talent with two outstanding World Superbike victories as a wild card rider in the Brands Hatch round of the Championship. In addition, he also boasts the coveted BSB Privateers Cup title in his trophy cabinet.

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Robert Wicks said: "Rizla Suzuki has very clear targets for 2006 - to win races and challenge for the title. 'Shakey' is one of the best riders out there - a previous BSB title winner and a critical player in achieving our objectives.

"I recall seeing first-hand the remarkable performance he put in at the Brands Hatch WSB round in 2003. 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.

"I've no doubt he will find the British Championship has stepped up a level and is more competitive than ever before. That said, he has great natural ability and knows how to win races which should see him challenging right from the start of the season.

"Shakey and team mate James Haydon provide an exciting and aggressive line-up for Rizla Suzuki - we can't wait to get testing and building momentum for 2006."

Byrne will make his on-track debut for the team in a Spanish test in December.