The 2011 World Superbike Championship came to a close only last weekend with the final round at Portimao, but the Althea Racing Team is already looking to the future with the announcement of its plans for the 2012 season.

As was logical, after Carlos Checa’s stunning season, which saw him take the 2011 Superbike title, the renewal with Team Althea Racing has been officially confirmed and will allow the Spanish champion to stay with the team that has helped him reach the top step of the podium on 15 occasions this season.

Team Althea Racing, managed by Genesio Bevilacqua, will continue to work with Checa in 2012 and, on board his Ducati 1198, he will defend his world championship title.

Checa will also have a new teammate in the form of Davide Giugliano. This season Giugliano earned the title of Superstock 1000 Champion with Althea Racing.

“We have finally reached an agreement with Ducati that was very important for the continuation of our long term plans,” said Bevilacqua, general manager of Althea Racing.

“Things took a little longer than expected but fortunately we have resolved these problems in a very positive way, with the help of Ducati and the good sense of all involved. I hope this announcement clears up any doubts as I know some wrong information has come out in the press in recent days.

“Now what we must do is continue to fight as we have this year, even more so as we will surely be penalised as far as weight on our bike is concerned.

“We are extremely confident – Carlos and Davide are very determined, the team is more united than ever before and we are sure we can provide the riders with all necessary support.”

Both the team and the riders’ attention now turns to the organisation of the winter testing program and planning for 2012.