Team SBK Ducati Alstare returns to work this weekend at the Nürburgring

Nürburgring (Germany), Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini (Team SBK Ducati Alstare) have enjoyed some relaxation time over the three-week summer break and are fighting fit and fully prepared for round ten of the fourteen-round World Superbike championship, taking place this weekend at the Nürburgring in Germany.

Prior to the summer break the squad was in action at Silverstone. Checa qualified on the front row at the British track while Badovini concluded both of the weekend’s races in eighth position. Attention now turns to the upcoming tenth round of the season. Both Checa and Badovini enjoy racing on German soil. In 2011 Carlos took a race win at the German track, while his best result there last year was a sixth place finish. Ayrton rode home with the win in his Stock 1000 race in 2010 while his best SBK result thus far was seventh position in 2011.

Carlos and Ayrton today concluded a two-day development test at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. Both riders worked hard alongside Ducati's test team and were pleased with the encouraging results obtained.

Carlos Checa: “Yesterday we worked on the general setting of my bike and then I also rode the new laboratory bike that has a different weight distribution. We were short on time so only really had chance to collate some initial data. My initial impressions were good, as was the feeling I had with the rear of the bike. We’ll need more tests in the future of course but this first approach was a positive one. Now we head to Germany and the Nürburgring, a track that I enjoy racing on. I’m hoping for stable weather conditions that allow us to work well. We know we’re lacking a little power but the track also consists of many turns and changes in direction where we hope to be able to make the difference. After the break and these Misano tests I’m ready to get back to the races and do my very best this weekend in Germany.”

Ayrton Badovini: “We only had a day and a half available at Misano but we’ve nevertheless worked well. It’s been a useful test because we were able to test settings and I had the opportunity to get back into the swing of things after the summer break. It rained during the night but conditions fortunately didn’t affect us too much. I’m pleased because I was able to ride well and this gives me confidence for the next races. As far as Nürburgring is concerned I’m confident because it’s a track that I like and where I’m sure we’ll be able to give it our all and make two good races.”

Team SBK Ducati Alstare