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Post by Jack 900SS on Feb 20, 2012 15:57:00 GMT 8
Haslam suffers injury in Phillip Island crash
Leon Haslam fractures his heel in an accident during testing at Phillip Island.
Leon Haslam has become the latest rider to suffer an injury during World Superbike Championship testing at Phillip Island, just days before the start of the season.
Dropping his BMW in the high-speed final left-hander, Haslam fell in the run-off and was taken to hospital when he wasn't immediately able to stand up.
Subsequent x-rays reveal he has fractured a bone in his heel, an injury that ruled him out of the second test session of day around the Australian circuit.
However, Haslam has since gone on to suggest, via Twitter, that the injury could be more severe than initially feared, adding that he may require surgery.
"Not a good day - big high-side at the last turn. Still in hospital waiting to see when they can operate. May need a screw in the tibia."
Haslam's injury comes after John Hopkins, Eugene Laverty and David Salom all suffered fractured hands in crashes during testing at Phillip Island a week ago.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Feb 22, 2012 9:43:44 GMT 8
Parkes ends Phillip Island test on top
Broc Parkes puts his sole Ten Kate Honda top as the official World Supersport Championship test concludes at Phillip Island. Broc Parkes, Kenan Sofuoglu, Fabien Foret and Sam Lowes have established themselves as the early front runners for the 2012 World Supersport Championship title after locking out the top four positions in three of the four test sessions at Phillip Island.
The first time this season that the 2012 contenders have tested as a group, Parkes, Foret and Lowes would all enjoy stints at the top of the timesheets at some stage, though it was Parkes on the Ten Kate Honda that would emerge quickest with a lap of 1min 34.585secs.
The Australian, who enters his eighth season of WSS racing this year, was just three hundredths faster than Kenan Sofuoglu, the Turk failing to top a session but never slipping outside the top four as he adjusted to the factory-supported DeltaFin Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Foret, riding the privateer Intermoto Step Kawasaki, was third quickest, while Bogdanka PTR's Lowes assumed the fourth spot after losing time with a crash during the final session of the test.
Getting to within two tenths of his PTR stablemate, ex-Moto2 rider Jules Cluzel can also count himself as a contender as he maintained an impressive top five presence to the end of his first test aboard the Honda CBR600RR.
Despite missing much of the final session with technical issues, Vittorio Iannuzzo ended the test a fine sixth on the little-fancied Power Team Suriano Triumph, ahead of South African duo Sheridan Morais and Ronan Quarmby on their respective Kawasaki and Honda machines.
Hungarian racer Balazs Nemeth held firm in the top ten for ninth, while Pawel Szkopek was one of the test's big improvers as he lifted himself to tenth in the final session.
Another Moto2 convert, Alex Baldolini was 11th on the second Suriano Triumph, ahead of Mathew Scholtz, Vladimir Leonov, Imre Toth and Lukas Pesek, while British racer Martin Jessopp concluded his first WSS test in 21st position.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Feb 22, 2012 9:46:39 GMT 8
Brookes disappointed by lowly position
'I always knew that jumping on this bike wasn't going to be easy and that's the way it has been' - Josh Brookes Josh Brookes has struggled to get to grips with the Crescent Fixi Suzuki after being drafted into the team as a replacement for injured American John Hopkins.
Brookes, who will ride for the Tyco Suzuki TAS Racing team in the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship this season, was languishing in 21st position after two days of testing at Phillip Island in preparation for the World Superbike Championship opener this weekend.
And the Australian native, who opened up an old wound following a crash on the opening day of the test, made his disappointment clear after a difficult few days on the GSXR1000.
“I am disappointed not to be further up the order, but I guess that's only to be expected when you consider that today was only my third day on the bike and my third day with the team. I always knew that jumping on this bike wasn't going to be easy and that's the way it has been,” said Brookes.
“We've progressed for sure, but I would've liked more progress, more quickly. These tests have been mentally draining, because there's so much to take in, and I want to thank the whole Crescent Fixi Suzuki crew for all their hard work and patience.
“I'm a little sore from my crash yesterday, when I hit my hip quite hard and opened up an old scar. I had four stitches, but I can honestly say that the crash has had no effect on my riding today. At the moment my biggest problem are the bumps and so we've being doing a lot of work to get the GSXR to absorb the bumps and stay stable. Once we've done that, I'll be able to go a lot faster for sure.”
Jack Valentine, Crescent Fixi Suzuki team boss, expects a difficult weekend ahead but remains convinced Brookes will be able to up the ante during the course of practice and qualifying on Friday and Saturday.
“Josh is definitely improving every time out and although there's still work to be done I am confident that he can do it,” he said. “The weekend ahead is going to be tough, but I'd be more than happy with some solid performances and some top six finishes.”
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Post by Jack 900SS on Feb 25, 2012 9:23:05 GMT 8
THEY ARE FALLING LIKE NINE PINS Chaz Davies forced out with wrist injury The ParkinGO MTC Aprilia rider won't make his WSBK debut in Australia after an uncomfortable fall in the closing stages of Q2. Chaz Davies has been forced to withdraw from the opening round of the 2012 World Superbike Championship after suffering a suspected broken wrist in an accident during Q2. The reigning World Supersport Champion had been due to make his WSBK debut at Phillip Island this weekend, but a fall from his ParkinGO MTC Aprilia in the closing minutes of Q2 has now forced him onto the sidelines. The latest rider to suffer an injury at Phillip Island, following similar woes for Leon Haslam, Eugene Laverty, John Hopkins and David Salom, Davies's disappointment comes after he had done enough to qualify for Superpole prior to the accident, the Welshman having managed 15th quickest. As well as a bitter blow for Davies, who now has a month to recover before the second round at Imola, his injury will also delay ParkinGO's long-awaited WSBK debut.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Mar 30, 2012 14:26:49 GMT 8
Pierfrancesco Chili ( Not our own Frankie Chilli Tamada )
The original fast rider who looked at SBK racing as the ideal way to prolong his career, Pierfrancesco Chili is one of the true legends of the class. Perennially youthful, even though he is 47-years old at present, Chili was the granddad of the class for some time, and raced right up until 2006. He finished inside the top four in both 1998 and 2000 seasons - first on a Ducati twin and then a 750cc Suzuki four-cylinder.
He took 17 wins in all, 29 fastest laps and ten pole positions - from his first involvement in 1995 to his last race, at Magny-Cours, his 276th career start. He scored a remarkable 61 podiums - sharing seventh place in the overall rankings with two others at this time. Few riders have ever come close to him for having a universal fan base. ‘Frankie' as he was known to one and all, has always been box-office, win, crash or draw.
When asked about why he has so many fans all over the world, Chili states, "I think it is because I was like a normal person. And when I won it was for all the people, not only for myself or my team. I think people like me because I gave back to people some good emotions. Sometimes I pushed a little bit too much and fell down, but that was my style - I did not make so much calculation in my races. I wanted to just win!"
Chili was one of the original riders who found that Superbike offered opportunities simply because they had talent, and getting a competitive bike was not outside the scope of most teams. That is why he feels that SBK racing has been a success from the outset. "I think one of the reasons in that there is a relatively small cost and there have been some very good years when GP racing was in crisis. I think there were some years when SBK was better than MotoGP," said Chili. "Also, I won a lot of races on private machines in SBK, and that aspect gives the opportunity to have everybody believe they can try to win some races. That was wonderful for my teams and for other teams. You just need a good rider in a good private team. I made 61 podiums in SBK and only one year I got a factory bike. That was a fantastic element of World Superbike."
In a career with a lot of wins and a lot of privateer rides, Chili finds it difficult to find his own private highlight more worthy than another. "It is hard to remember every one, but I had a lot of satisfaction in general," said Chili, before narrowing things down a little. "Maybe in 2001 when I won on the Suzuki at Donington, even when it was a hard year for me. Maybe in some races with Ducati private teams I also have good memories. Maybe even in 2004 when I won on the last lap in the wet at Misano. Or when I won in Monza. Winning a race in front of Slight and Fogarty in 1996 was another. I had such good teams. Francis Batta gave me some good things. PSG-1 and also the Gattolone team in the beginning. I have a lot of good memories. I think in 2002, when I never got such good results was maybe the low point. But on the same kind of bike in 2003 I scored one win and seven podiums in total."
All hail Frankie, a legend on track and off, a rider with flair, charisma and great talent.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Apr 19, 2012 14:45:11 GMT 8
Lascorz evaluated for 'recovering mobility'
World Superbike star Joan Lascorz's prospects of 'regaining mobility' being assessed by doctors. Kawasaki Provec Racing's Joan Lascorz is still being evaluated by doctors regarding his chances of 'gaining mobility' following a serious accident at Imola.
Lascorz remains in the Intensive Care unit at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona after falling during the official World Superbike test at the Italian circuit following the second round of the championship on April 2.
The Spaniard suffered damage to the C6 vertebra and underwent a 'lengthy and delicate' operation to reposition his spine at Bologna's Maggiore Hospital before being transferred to hospital in Spain.
The has been much speculation since the accident over his condition, but an article on the official World Superbike website appears to be the first formal admission that the Kawasaki rider could be paralysed as a result of his injuries.
The article states: 'With doctors still evaluating the situation regarding the possibility of Lascorz recovering his mobility, a press release was issued by the Provec Racing team yesterday [Wednesday] saying that vital support systems would be removed today [Thursday] to allow the Spanish rider to breathe autonomously.'
On Wednesday, a statement released by Kawasaki Provec Racing said the full extent of Lascorz's injuries could not be assessed until he is woken from an induced coma.
“Until the doctors wake Joan and the neurologists are able to gather the relevant evidence, the exact extent of the injury and his chances of recovery cannot be established,” said the statement.
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Post by Jack 900SS on May 18, 2012 10:49:27 GMT 8
Kawasaki issues Lascorz medical update
'Joan has sensitivity and mobility in his arms and hands, but right now has no feeling in the legs or the abdominal area' Provec Racing and Kawasaki have released the following update on the condition of World Superbike star Joan Lascorz, who suffered spinal injuries during a post-race testing accident at Imola last month:
'Following the accident at Imola on April 2nd, Joan Lascorz has completed his initial recovery at the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron and has now been transferred to the Guttman Institute.
'After the last statement issued on April 27, Joan has been recovering respiratory capacity after post-traumatic complications after the accident.
'A few days ago the medical team at Hospital Vall d'Hebron withdrew the cannula tracheostomy thanks to good performance of Joan's respiratory system. Joan remains fully conscious, talking, without any mental consequences and remembers all the Imola crash, which in due time will be analyzed and explained.
'Joan has sensitivity and mobility in his arms and hands, but right now has no feeling in the legs or the abdominal area,
'After the doctors and therapists have checked him at the Guttman Institute a detailed medical statement will be issued to explain the full extent of his severe spinal cord injury and his potential recovery.
'The team and Joan want to pass on their thanks to all doctors and nurses of Vall d'Hebron for their dedication and attention to Joan.
'Again Joan and its family would like to thank everyone for outpouring of support that has been evident during this time. Especially those of all his peers, as was demonstrated by all superbike riders both in Monza and Donington, Sykes, Haslam, Melandri, etc.
'Also Lorenzo, Espargaró, Marquez and all the riders that showed support and had Joan's symbol in their fairings and helmets in the last MotoGP race. It was very emotional to see Espargaró and Marquez fighting for victory in the last GP of Portugal, with tributes to Joan in the screens of the two fairings. To them, to all the teams and everyone who cares every day about the situation of Joan, thank you very much.
'Sincerely
'Provec Racing with Kawasaki Racing Team.'
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Post by Jack 900SS on May 27, 2012 12:57:40 GMT 8
Provec issues latest Lascorz update
"Joan has already begun working with physiotherapists on a routine that is expected to last a minimum of 4 months." Provec Racing has confirmed Joan Lascorz has been transferred to the Guttmann Institute in Barcelona to continue the rehabilitation from his injuries.
The Spaniard had spent 40 days in Vall d'Hebron Hospital following his horrific accident during World Superbike testing at Imola in which he sustained serious spinal injuries, with Provec Racing recently confirming Lascorz has 'no feeling in the legs or abdominal area'.
In addition, Provec Racing has launched an initiative in support of Kawasaki rider Lascorz, and will ask all teams and riders set to 'Power for Lascorz' stickers in both World Superbike and MotoGP.
“Joan Lascorz was transferred to the Guttmann Institute on Monday May 14 after 40 days spent in the Hospital Vall d'Hebron. On arrival at the Guttmann Institute Joan spent a few days adjusting to the upright position of the chair after so many days in bed, as symptoms of dizziness and risk of fainting are common.
“He has already begun working with physiotherapists on a routine that is expected to last a minimum of 4 months.
“The team wish to thank everyone again for all the support that Joan has received in this period from riders and teams of both MotoGP and WSBK as well as the press in general.
"Lascorz', which has garnered consensus and encouragement from all parties.
“Provec wish to continue this initiative and would like to have the participation of all riders and teams again from the races in Misano (WSBK) and Montmeló (MotoGP) until the final race of the season, by asking them to place the sticker somewhere on the bike or the equipment of the team.
“The sticker will be distributed in the Paddock at Misano and Montmeló.”
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Post by Jack 900SS on Jul 2, 2012 7:28:40 GMT 8
Bryan Staring (Team Pedercini Kawasaki) took his first win in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup class today, front-running to take a final advantage of eight seconds and set a new lap record of 2 minutes 01.446 seconds. Runner-up was MRS Kawasaki rider Jeremy Guarnoni, who passed long-time second-placed rider Lorenzo Baroni (BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet) in the closing stages. Fourth was Barni Racing Team Ducati Panigale rider Eddi La Marra.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Jul 25, 2012 10:25:50 GMT 8
Sylvain Guintoli switches to PATA Ducati
"I will be back on the Ducati 1198 in Silverstone" - Sylvain Guintoli. Less than a week after splitting with the Effenbert Liberty Ducati team, Sylvain Guintoli has confirmed he will be back on the World Superbike Championship grid next time out at Silverstone after firming a deal with PATA Racing.
The Frenchman endured an acrimonious split with the Czech-based outfit on the eve of the Brno round, Guintoli accused of 'poor results' despite being the team's top representative in the overall standings and securing its first-ever win at Assen earlier this year.
Nonetheless, despite being forced to miss the Czech event, Guintoli has already secured a return to the series aboard another Ducati with the Italian-based PATA Racing team, though it is yet to be confirmed whether it will expand to two machines to accommodate both the ex-MotoGP rider and current pilot Lorenzo Zanetti, or replace the latter.
Taking to Twitter to announce the move, Guintoli stated that he 'will be back on the Ducati 1198 in Silverstone' before posting an image of his new helmet with the cheeky message 'the view from the yellow bikes in Silverstone!'.
Despite missing an event, Guintoli arrives at PATA Racing holding eighth overall in the standings and as the second highest placed Ducati rider. As yet, PATA Racing's best finish this season with rookie Zanetti has been an eighth position at Imola.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Aug 13, 2012 9:03:43 GMT 8
Guintoli: What a couple of weeks!
Just two weeks after being left without a ride in World Superbikes, Sylvain Guintoli bounces back to claim victory on his debut with Pata Racing.
Less than two weeks after being dumped by the Effenbert Liberty Ducati team for 'poor results', Sylvain Guintoli is celebrating a victory on his maiden outing with Pata Racing at Silverstone.
A remarkable turnaround for a rider who was left without a bike after a somewhat acrimonious split from the Czech team with whom he had scored a race win with at Assen earlier this season, the Frenchman had the satisfaction of showing Effenbert what they were missing by proving competitive all weekend.
Though an erroneous tyre choice in race one, when he started on wet tyres around a slick circuit in the hope it would rain earlier than it did, left him outside the points, he was determined go from 'zero to hero' in race two.
Capitalising on the awful conditions in race two, Guintoli opened up an early advantage and though he would cede his lead to Loris Baz at one stage, the decision to end the race early would see him awarded the win on count-back.
Marking the first WSBK win for Pata Racing in its current guise, Guintoli was thrilled to end a turbulent few weeks with an outstanding result.
“What a day, what a last couple of weeks actually! It's been an up and down road after Brno, but I've just bounced back quickly with the Pata team and Ducati. I made the wrong choice of tyre in the first race, but in race one I went from zero to hero!
“I was really angry with myself at the start then when the rains came I eased off for the podium because I didn't want to go from zero to zero! It's my first win with Pata and hopefully there are many more to come!”
Despite the impressive win, Guintoli received only half-points for his efforts, scoring 12.5 points.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Oct 6, 2012 7:43:45 GMT 8
Biaggi vs Sykes vs Melandri for 2012 title
Max Biaggi can afford to race by numbers at Magny-Cours as he inches towards a second World Superbike title, but Tom Sykes and Marco Melandri are not out of it just yet...
For the first time in five years, three riders will head into the final round of the World Superbike Championship with a mathematical chance of wrapping up the 2012 title.
Not since James Toseland led Max Biaggi and Noriyuki Haga into the 2007 season finale at Magny-Cours have more than two riders been in with a shot of the championship, but much like then, one rider above all remains favourite to walk away with one of motorsport's top titles.
Indeed, while he may have assumed the role of title chaser back then some 29 points behind eventual champion Toseland, it is Biaggi who heads into the 2012 season finale – also at Magny-Cours – on the other end of a healthy 30.5 point margin.
A measure of just how competitive the 2012 season has been, Biaggi has strung together a title run despite having managed just three podiums in the last 11 races, while his four wins will be classified as the lowest achieved by a champion since 2004 (the statistic will still stand even if Biaggi wins both races in France).
However, despite the relative lack of podiums and wins, Biaggi has certainly been the most consistent in a season that has seen nine different race winners - the most in more than a decade -, the Aprilia rider failing to finish inside the top five on just five occasions.
Sykes, meanwhile, comes into the final event as a surprise contender, his relative consistency in making the chequered flag (he has failed to finish just three times this year) tempered by the odd lacklustre race performance, particularly when measured against his superb tally of eight pole positions.
Even so, given Sykes is just 30.5 points behind Biaggi, he will rue the fact that two of his DNFs were technical issues from excellent positions (leading in Assen and third in Portimao), while the third was a last lap crash caused by an errant Ayrton Badovini at Motorland Aragon. Coupled to the 12.5 points he lost when his Monza win was halved, Sykes has reason to feel slightly aggrieved, particularly as Biaggi's two comparable DNFs were both self-inflicted accidents.
By contrast, Melandri has himself to blame for his faltering title challenge, a campaign that at one time looked strong enough to take him all the way to the title having overturned a sizeable points' deficit to Biaggi and even nosed ahead with only three rounds remaining.
However, his accidents at the Nurburgring and Portimao have seen him fall 38.5 points in arrears of Biaggi with just two races and a maximum of 50 points available. A big ask for him to make a final push for the title, Melandri's run of poor form is also likely to have cost BMW a shot at the manufacturers' crown.
Indeed, both Sykes and Melandri will likely require some poor fortune to go the way of Biaggi if they are to have any chance of overhauling him, not to mention two race wins.
Biaggi, on the other hand, can afford to race by numbers knowing that two sixth place finishes will be enough for him to be crowned champion, regardless of where his rivals finish.
Provided he can do just that, he will be crowned the World Superbike Champion for the second time in his career.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Oct 7, 2012 15:35:43 GMT 8
FIM Superbike, Supersport World Championships & FIM Superstock 1000cc Cup
2013 Provisional Calendar, 06 October
DATE COUNTRY CIRCUIT WSBK WSS STK
24 February Australia Phillip Island X X 10 March India Buddh Circuit X X 7 April Spain Aragon X X X 28 April The Netherlands Assen X X X 12 May Italy Monza X X X 26 May UK Donington X X 9 June Portugal Portimao (STC) X X X 23 June Tba Tba X X X 30 June Italy Imola X X X 21 July Russia Moscow Raceway X X 4 August UK Silverstone X X X 1 September Germany Nurburgring X X X 29 September USA Laguna Seca X 6 October France Magny Cours X X X 20 October Spain Jerez X X X
* Tba =To be announced STC = Subject to contract
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Post by Jack 900SS on Oct 18, 2012 10:36:30 GMT 8
Pit stops and new minimum weight for 1200cc twins among 2013 World Superbike rule changes
World Superbike races will not be stopped due to weather conditions next season, with optional pit stops introduced to allow for any mid-race tyre and machinery changes.
The rumoured proposal was among the rule modifications rubber-stamped during a series of Superbike Commission meetings between October 8th and 16th.
"A Superbike race will not be interrupted for climatic reasons except for extraordinary events and riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments must enter the pits (at any moment) and do so during the actual race," said the FIM statement.
Refueling is "strictly prohibited" and the pit stop procedure will be as follows:
"* Riders who wish to change tyres or make adjustments in the pit lane must stop in front of their garage, turn off the engine and dismount from their motorcycle. Only three mechanics, clearly identified with an official armband, are allowed to touch the motorcycle or work on it during the pit stop.
"These three mechanics cannot receive any external help in the pit lane (i.e. passing the tools from the garage, etc.), but the rider can help them if he wishes to do so. A marshal will monitor the situation and report any infringement of this rule which will be penalized by the Race Direction with a ride through.
"* The use of power tools (maximum two at the same time, electric or pneumatic) is allowed.
"* Stands or lifts must operate manually and cannot be power assisted.
"* The use of an auxiliary starter and/or of a booster battery is allowed to restart the motorcycle."
Other changes for 2013 include a MotoGP-style three riders per row starting grid and minimum weight of 165kg for both 1200cc twin cylinders and 1000cc four cylinders.
The four-cylinder weight is unchanged, but the 1200cc twins will be able to shed the 6kg that had been added for this season, prompting complaints from the Ducati competitors.
Performance balancing rules will continue to apply:
"For 1200cc 2 cylinders: The minimum weight may be increased twice by 3kg reaching a weight of 168kg and 171kg respectively. The upper limit is 171kg. If this measure proves to be insufficient, then the air restrictor handicap will be applied according to the relevant provisions described in Art 2.4.8.1.3."
Brake lever protection, a rear safety light for wet races, fake front headlight stickers and the change to 17" rims were also made official.
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Post by Jack 900SS on Nov 12, 2012 14:00:54 GMT 8
[b]Alstare and Ducati join forces for 2013, 2014[/b][/color]
Team Ducati Alstare is officially confirmed with Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini to ride the Ducati 1199 Panigale in the World Superbike Championship next season.
Team Alstare will return to the World Superbike Championship in 2013 after its much rumoured collaboration with Ducati was officially confirmed.
The Belgian outfit took a sabbatical this season after ending its long-standing relationship with Suzuki at the end of 2011, but has now been enlisted as Ducati factory's partner for 2013 and 2014 in a deal that will see Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini ride the new 1199 Panigale [see separate story].
Taking over from Althea Racing, which had fronted Ducati's WSBK effort since the manufacturer withdrew its official backing at the end of the 2010 season, the new 'Team Ducati Alstare' operation will make its public debut during a WSBK test at Motorland Aragaon this week.
“At Ducati, we are very happy and confident with this agreement,” declared Ducati's Ernesto Marinelli. “The professionalism, passion and sporting character of Francis Batta and all his staff, together with his structure, which sets an industry standard in terms of equipment and organisation, are vital elements for our future plans. We have a lot of work to do, and I am sure that we are able to do it in the best possible way.”
A welcome return to WSBK competition for Alstare, champions in 2005 with Troy Corser and Suzuki, the deal with Ducati comes 15 years after the pair last collaborated. For team owner Francis Batta, he is delighted to be back on the WSBK grid after a year away.
“For me, it's an absolute thrill to be able to join the Ducati family again. Together we were so successful in the past and Ducati remains a reference brand for me today. We are going to face a challenge which is highly stimulating both for me and for my team and we will apply our absolute best efforts to making sure this is a successful endeavour.”
Though Checa had already been confirmed as part of Ducati's plans, Badovini's acquisition was more of a surprise, the former Superstock 1000 champion switching to twin-cylinder machinery after two years with BMW Italia.
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