Source: Ducati.

Team Althea Racing will field a Ducati 1199 Panigale in the 2014 Superbike World Championship.

Althea will reunite with the Italian manufacturer and has signed emerging Italian racer Niccolo Canepa for next season to spearhead the project.

“I am extremely happy to be able to collaborate once again with Ducati, a brand and a company with which we have achieved great success and results that we fully intend to repeat,” said Althea’s Genesio Bevilacqua.

“I am certain that next year we will be able to bring great satisfaction to our fans and consecrate Canepa among the top superbike riders.

“I have full faith in Niccolò and am sure that he is the right rider for our new and stimulating project. I would like to thank Ducati for its trust that I am certain that our team will be able to repay with the utmost dedication.”

Canepa has competed for an assortment of Ducati teams within WSBK, FIM Superstock and MotoGP.

Next year’s World Superbike series will commence at Phillip Island in Victoria on 21-23 February.