WSBK: Shane Byrne to Althea Ducati?

It looks like Shane Byrne is going to be leaving Marco Borciani’s Team Sterilgarda BRC Racing and is heading towards Althea Ducati in 2010.
The British rider had been spotted entering the Althea Honda (before switching to Ducati ) truck during the Portimao weekend and apparantly the rider is about to close a deal with Genesio Bevilacqua’s Italian team according to MCN.

Althea decided to switch marques for the upcoming 2010 World Superbike season and announced that they wanted another rider after signing up veteran Spanish rider Carlos Checa.

Ducati Corse is keen on keeping Byrne on one of their satellite bikes and could help in finalizing the deal.
Byrne’s finished eighth in this year’s standings, after a lacklustre 2009 season begining came back very strong during the second half, taking second place at Misano and several fourth places.
UPDATEDAlthea Racing has confirmed signing Shane Byrne.
More after the jump.
Genesio Bevilacqua:“I’m really enthusiastic to have signed Shane Byrne for our 2010 team.

He’s proved to be a very skilful and successful rider in world Superbike and I’m are sure he will be a great combination with Carlos Checa.

Shakey is an experienced and spirited rider, with him we are certain we’ll be able to challenge with the best and official 2010 Superbike world championship teams.
We worked hard to organize a strong technical staff that will support in the best possible way our two competitive riders.
We must thank Althea, an international company who is used to working with important projects, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors who allowed our team to be competitive and particularly Unibat, one of the biggest worldwide battery producers who believe in our project.
”Shane Byrne: “I’m extremely happy to say that I will join the Althea Ducati racing team for the 2010 WSB championship.
Genesio Bevilacqua has been fantastic and from my talks with him so far I understand he is a very serious, enthusiastic and ambitious person.
He has put together a fantastic package that should enable both Carlos and I the opportunity to fight at a very high level, so I look forward to this new adventure.
Remaining on a Ducati motorcycle was very important to me.
I think in Team Althea Ducati I’ve found the perfect place, a good bike, a very strong and experienced team mate and an extremely motivated team; I can’t wait to get started !”