2013 World Superbike Ducati
Carlos Checa has renewed his contract with Ducati for the 2013 World Superbike Championship, the Bologna-based manufacturer reported Monday.
The 2011 World SBK Champion, Checa will contest in 2013 aboard the 1199 Panigale. But though Checa is confirmed, there is no word yet on the main sponsor for the Ducati team.
The former team – Althea Racing – ended its cooperation with Ducati after two years. Speaking of this change, Ducati says “despite both parties’ intention to continue the collaboration, an agreement, which meets the requirements of both Team Althea Racing and the (Ducati) manufacturer’s management, has not been found for 2013.”
The Althea Racing/Ducati relationship has been victorious; besides Checa winning both the 2011 World SBK riders title and manufacturer’s title, the team also took the same titles in 2011 in the Superstock series.
Ducati says “the exceptionally good relationship that Ducati has enjoyed with Team Althea Racing, combined with the friendship and gratitude towards team owner, Genesio Bevilacqua, for his continuing efforts and loyalty during these years, means that other forms of cooperation between Ducati and Team Althea could still be found in the future.”
Ducati says the 2013 are almost finalized, and additional details, including the main sponsor, will be released in the next few days.
Until then, Checa will continue to develop the 1199 Panigale for its 2013 World SBK debut in February at Phillip Island Feb 24.
To read about Checa’s intial impressions of the 1199 Panigale, click here.
