CARLOS CHECA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

The 41-year-old hasn't raced since suffering a fractured hip at Istanbul Park's eleventh round of this year's series. In fact, season 2013 has been an unlucky one (starting with a concussion at the opening round at Phillip Island) for the likeable and popular Catalonian. Checa has also struggled with development of Ducati's 1199 Panigale in its debut World Superbike season.

Despite a challenging year, Checa says retires from professional motorsport a very satisfied man, taking with him countless successes, memories and lifelong friendships.

"This year I am celebrating twenty years of racing at world championship level," said Checa at the Alstare Ducati hospitality media event.

"I am extremely proud of this long sporting career, which has given me many special memories of all the teams I have worked with. I have had the opportunity to compete at the highest level, riding the best bikes and winning against the best rivals.

"My aim has always been to discover my limits and to be able to take a close look at myself in order to continue to learn, grow and become a better rider and a better person. This is something that would not have possible without taking this path, full of risk, but which has also provided me with great challenges, adversaries and emotions; a long climb which culminated with my best season in 2011.

"There is a moment that will always arrive in the life of a sportsman, the day on which you say enough is enough," Checa continued. "This day has arrived for me today. It was not an easy decision, but one that I've thought long and hard about.

"I am grateful to the entire motorcycle family, to those who make it possible for this world to exist and especially to those who have supported me and followed me from the start, for having given me the opportunity to pursue my dream and live a life that I wouldn't have changed for any other.

"I will now move on to discover new things about myself, a new and stimulating phase now begins for me in Ducati. It will take time to adapt but I am confident about my future and the satisfactions that it will surely continue to give me. Thanks again to everyone for being here to support me on what is a very special day for me, definitely emotional but also unforgettable."

At the media conference, Ducati confirmed Checa will remain part of the Ducati family, taking on an ambassadorial role. Nolan presented Checa with a special commemorative helmet in celebration of his 20th anniversary of competition.

Additionally, Checa's "home" circuit of Jerez will dedicate part of its 'Hall of Fame' in its new museum (that will be opened to the public in 2014) to the man, his brilliant career and WSBK World Title. To date, Checa remains the only Spanish rider to have achieved this goal.

Images: JUST BIKES