Team Althea Racing landed in Australia two days ago, with just enough time on its hands to make final preparations before testing gets underway at the historic Phillip Island circuit tomorrow.

Althea Racing’s 2012 line-up, reigning Superbike Champion Carlos Checa and Superstock 1000 Champion Davide Giugliano, have taken their physical and mental preparation very seriously over the winter season.

Despite the fact that last season’s racing concluded more than three months ago, both feel more than ready for the upcoming opening round taking place at Phillip Island later this month.

The team will however be making the most of the final testing sessions, which will see riders taking to the same track from 13th to 15th and 20th to 21st February.

Under the guidance of team manager Genesio Bevilacqua, the squad will make the most of the testing sessions, using the time to work on the set-up of the Ducati 1198 bikes to ensure that the bikes, 6kg heavier this season, can be competitive in the opening races.

Carlos is looking forward to getting back to work with his trusted team of engineers and mechanics that guided him to championship victory in 2011, while Davide relishes the challenge of racing in the Superbike category for the first time, supported by a team comprising both old and new technicians.

Both Checa and Giugliano will be riding the same Ducati 1198 as last year, updated in terms of suspension and braking systems.

But the update that won’t help competitiveness is the extra 6kg of weight on the bikes, added in accordance with SBK regulations. This clearly won’t facilitate matters for the Althea men but both riders are nevertheless confident and enthusiastic as the countdown to the 2012 Superbike championship continues.