Althea Ducati 2010 team launch

The Altea Ducati squad of Shane Byrne and Carlos Checa was officially launched in Italy last week. Byrne and Checa were introduced to the 1198 Ducati’s that they will campaign in 2010 while getting to meet the full team and technical staff.

The Italian run squad now head to Portimao in Portugal where they will take part in the official three day test starting on Friday. The team will then go to Valencia on 27th and 28th January where they will test alongside the factory Xerox Ducati team of Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio.

Byrne said:
“I saw my new Ducati for the first time and I’m eager to ride it in Portimao. Now I know all the components of the team and I’m sure it will be exciting work in such a professional squad, especially with Carlos alongside. He’s got a lot of experience and I’m sure he’ll be a great teammate.”

Team-mate Carlos Checa will need to make the transition to the 1200cc V-twin after spending the last two seasons racing the Ten Kate Honda. In his first test on the bike after the final race of the year, the Spaniard looked smooth and comfortable and is keen to get back on the bike.

Checa said:
”In few days we’ll leave for Portimao and I will be able to start to work with
my new technicians in order to start the Superbike world championship in the best
possible way. My team worked very hard to prepare the bikes and I’ll do my best starting from the first test session in Portimao because I want to start this 2010 season in the right way”