TEAM ALSTARE OUT OF WORLD SUPERBIKES

The partnership between the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer and Team Alstare was expected to continue, however, the current economic climate and subsequent withdrawal of support by one of Alstare's main partners, has dictated that the Belgian team must downsize its future plans.

The announcement comes shortly after Carlos Checa, Team Alstare's #1 rider, announced his retirement from racing. Limited by injuries, Checa also had trouble with the Ducati 1199 Panigale which Team Alstare debuted this season.

Checa could manage a best result of sixth (Portimao) in his injury-shortened season, while team mate Ayrton Badovini scored Team Alstare's only podium for 2013 at Moscow's round 8.

In a meeting held at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Team Alstare's Francis Batta and the Ducati management decided the best course of action would be an early termination of the agreement before the start of the 2014 season.

"I am extremely sorry that an operation that had started on such a positive note had to be concluded before its time without achieving the results we were aiming for," said Ernesto Marinelli, Ducati SBK Project Manager.

"This was a very difficult year in terms of sports performance, but I am convinced that it nevertheless made us both grow and lay solid foundations for our future development and improvement. In these months together, I experienced the constant professionalism and expertise of everyone at Team Alstare, and I hope to be able to work with them again in the future.

"My special thanks, both in my personal capacity and on behalf of the whole company, go to Francis for the effort he has put in this year - as he always has throughout his career."

Francis Batta, owner of Team Alstare, said: "I am very sad because this challenge, which began last November, was very important for me as a fresh start after missing one year.

"Working with Ducati was incredibly thrilling, although unfortunately, we failed to achieve the results we had set ourselves. The 2013 racing season has been incredibly hard for us, and being unable to start from a solid position in 2014, I would rather not take risks that might compromise our ability to complete the season. I would like to thank Ducati for trusting me and I wish them all the success that they deserve."

Ducati has confirmed that it will still take part in the Superbike World Championship next season, with team riders and further racing plans to be announced in the coming days.