Ducati test ride offer for Carlos Checa

Carlos Checa has been offered the chance to land a test and development ride for Ducati in 2008, with his MotoGP racing career seemingly drawing to a close.

The Spaniard has struggled on the LCR Honda RC212V and with no offers to continue racing next season, he met Ducati bosses in Laguna Seca to discuss a testing role.

Ducati want Checa to replace Japanese veteran Shinichi Itoh on the development V4, and could offer him selected wild card rides as part of the deal. He would also be Ducati’s nominated replacement rider should any of Ducati’s factory or satellite team riders get injured.

Checa raced for Ducati in 2005 for one season but he’s had a nightmare on the LCR Honda.

Current world 250 championship contender Andrea Dovizioso held talks with Lucio Cecchinello in Germany earlier this month, but it is understood his wage demands have priced LCR out of the market. 

Factory Kawasaki rider Randy de Puniet has also offered his services to LCR, with his future on a ZX-RR hanging by a thread. It is understood though that he is close to agreeing a new Kawasaki deal with Loris Capirossi turning down the chance to partner John Hopkins next season.