Last Thursday and Friday at the “Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli” Ducati held a private two-day test for Althea Racing’s Superbike riders Carlos Checa and Davide Giugliano (both are re-confirmed for next season, the official announcement should be at Magny-Cours next weekend) with what will be their new 2013 machine, the 1199 Panigale.
For Checa it was his second test with the Panigale after riding it during the World Ducati Week last June and apparently the latest engine and electronic developments of the 1199 pleased the Spaniard – who after the first test had several reservations about it and he was thinking of changing teams (BMW and Kawasaki were on the list) -but it seems that he had a change of heart when he heard that the current Superbike rules could be changed regarding the twin cylinders restricitions and those 6kg that have hindered him this season will be removed.
Joining Checa in the test was team mate Davide Giugliano who was one of the Panigale’s several test riders in 2011.
While no lap times were released Checa tweeted, “Good start with beautiful Panigale.
2 intense and possitive days of testing, finding good confidence.
Ciao” Rumors have it that Checa lapped around 1.
37.
5.
Photo source twitter@carloscheca7