Carlos Checa and Althea Ducati will lead the Italian manufacturer's WSBK charge in 2011.

The grid for the 2011 Superbike World Championship continues to mold into place, with Spaniard Carlos Checa confirmed for Ducati Althea’s team again next season.

Coming off a glorious double victory at Imola last weekend, Checa has been confirmed for what is believed to be Ducati’s leading team next season, while current teammate Shane Byrne will be replaced with an as yet unconfirmed rider.

“Thanks to the two year agreement signed with Checa and to Ducati for the precious support, we will strive to achieve great things”, said team owner Genessio Bevilacqua. “Carlos will help to develop the Italian manufacturer’s racing activity and I am sure that we will make a good job of it.”

With Checa set to lead Ducati’s non-factory charge in 2011, current Ducati Xerox factory rider Noriyuki Haga is set for a shock switch to factory Aprilia machinery under the DFX banner in an official satellite outfit.

Haga was originally penciled in for a position alongside Queenslander Chris Vermeulen at Kawasaki, however Supersport regular Joan Lascorz is set to take that position, leaving Kawasaki in a difficult position as current rider Tom Sykes has consistently proven the leading ZX-10R rider during the final stages of this season.

British rider Leon Haslam has been confirmed this morning for BMW Motorrad alongside Aussie Troy Corser, while countryman James Toseland – recently ousted by Yamaha – could partner Jonathan Rea in a return to Ten Kate Honda.