Editor

The Althea Racing team riders completed their final day of testing yesterday at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain. Carlos Checa and Shakey Byrne were finally able to get to work having been impeded by rain and cold temperature on day 1. On a sunny and dry track the teams have spent the last day testing their Ducati machines. Checa was able to finish 53 laps while Byrne completed a total of 55 laps. Carlos's best lap time was 1'33.8 (this is unofficial the best lap time of these two days of test) while teammate Shakey scored an excellent 1'34.1. Both the riders and their technicians have collated valuable data in preparation for the next test and races at Phillip Island circuit in Australia, at the end of February.


Carlos Checa : "I'm happy with my today test. We have worked very well, despite the cold temperature. We have been focused on working through the set up of the bike to make sure we have everything ready for the beginning of the world championship. After Portimao and Valencia test I'm feeling more comfortable on both my Ducati 1198 bikes. Today we tested some new tyres and different setting and I think we did a really very good job. I want to thank my crew who has done such a wonderful job here in Valencia. This afternoon I scored the best lap time, that's always something good, but I'm very happy also because I'm sure we are on the right way, ready for Phillip Island first races".


Shane Byrne : "Today was very good. I was able to finish so many laps and my mechanics works in a very good way. We pushed hard and I'm very happy with my best lap time and with our job. I want to thanks my mechanics for their great help and Genesio for giving me a good bike. Now we'll go in Phillips Island for some more day of test and for our first races of the season. I'm confident because we are really in a strong situation and we have a good package to take to Australia".



Source: World Superbike

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