Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati is to split from Althea Racing, with whom veteran rider Carlos Checa won the 2011 World Superbike Championship.
Carlos Checa and Althea have upheld Ducati honours against newer machines
Checa will be retained as part of Ducati’s 2013 plans, but the company said in a press release that it could not agree satisfactory terms with Althea for next year after three years of a successful partnership from 2010 to 2012. The release said: “After three years of constructive cooperation, the relationship between Ducati and Team Althea Racing will now come to an end.
“Despite both parties’ intention to continue the collaboration, an agreement, which meets the requirements of both Team Althea Racing and the Bologna-based manufacturer's management, has not been found for 2013.” The split seems as amicable as any in the sport’s history could claim to be, with Ducati openly confirming the possibility for future partnerships with Althea.
“However, 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,” the statement said.
The Ducati Panigale 1199S will be campaigned in the 2013 WSBK Championship
Ducati is in the process of finalising its World Superbike plans for 2013 and is expected to release full details soon.
