You can tell that we are finally approaching the new racing season when teams start their official presentations.
The new 2010 Althea Racing Team was officially presented on Saturday January 16th at a club in Fasano, near Brindisi (Italy).
This year Althea Racing has switched from Honda’s to Ducati 1198’s and will see Carlos Checa and Shane Byrne contest in the World Superbike Championship while the team will also see Flavio Gentile ride in the CIV (Italian Superbike Championship).
The Italian team has a brand new red and white and blue racing livery designed by Maya Cohen, who also works as the team’s press officer.
Carlos Checa joined Althea having spent his first two WSBK seasons with Ten Kate Honda: “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.
” Shane Byrne rode with Sterilgarda Ducati last season: :”I’m really very happy to be part of this team.
Today I saw my new Ducati bike 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 Checa alongside.
He’s got a lot of experience and I’m sure he’ll be a great teammate.
This year I want to firmly stay in the first positions in every race.
”Genesio Bevilacqua , General Manager: “We have worked very hard to prepare our team for the next racing season and now I can say that we are ready for the 2010 Superbike World Championship.
Everything is set to compete in world and Italian Superbike championships.
Once again we must thank Althea and all our sponsors who allowed our team to be so competitive.
Now we are prepared to go to Portimao for the first test of the year.
On the Portuguese circuit we’ll be able to compare our team with all our competitors.
”Official WSBK tests take place at Portimao January 22nd – 24th and followed by another two days of testing at Valencia (27th and 28th of January).