ALTHEA DUCATI:

A historical moment for the debut of Ducati Althea Racing Team and 2010 rider Carlos Checa for first day of tests in Portimao. The Spanish rider enjoyed a successful day of testing on the Portuguese circuit with his new team. Carlos Checa was on board the Ducati 1098 for the first time this morning and so far both he and the team are very satisfied with the positive results achieved. The Spanish rider has spent time working with the team to set the bike up according to his riding position and style.

Carlos Checa :” Today went very well. My new bike is very different compared to the one that I used up until a few days ago. I’m really excited to be a part of this team and this new project. I’m ready to work hard with my technicians to further develop our bike as much as possible. Today was my first time on a twin cylinder motorbike and I must adapt my riding style to the Ducati 1098 engine and setting. We know that this is not the bike we’ll use in the next Superbike World Championship, but it was very important for us to test it here in Portimao in order to get to know and work with my new team. I want to thank Genesio Bevilacqua who made a miracle happen by preparing a new bike and team in only two short weeks. Tomorrow I will definitely continue working with my team to further develop my Ducati’s bike setting and improve the set-up we established today”.

Genesio Bevilacqua –  General Manager :”It was an important and positive day of testing today. I was pretty happy to see how fast Carlos is adapting his riding style to our Ducati bike which is a completely new experience for him. I’m convinced that we started this new project in the right way and with the correct state of mind to reach our targets. Tomorrow we’ll continue to work on the bike set-up to further improve it. It will be interesting to compare how we progress with the other teams and riders who are testing here in Portimao”.