More Morning Moto News - WSBK, UAE Sportbike & Ben Townley

The Valencia testing of some World Superbike teams is now moving along just fine. In fact, Carlos Checa managed to get his Althea Ducati to the top of the lap charts. Aprilia, BMW and Ducati are there testing, with factory Ducati finishing up on Thursday, and the privateer Althea team still at the track. Aprilia left early dues to the weather earlier in the week and BMW was at the bottom of the timesheet.

http://tinyurl.com/yhrydmx

Now, just a bit south and east of the WSBK racers we have the UAE Sportbike Championship. On Friday, all the motorcycle racing was held. In the premier class, Aprilia-mounted Arushen Moodley took both victories available to him. In the 600c.c. class, Yamaha man Jussi Hoikka took a hard-fought victory. For the rest, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhx9zy3

New Zealand native Ben Townley will be joining the European MX1 Championship for three rounds as he has now recovered from his 2008 injury. He already won the New Zealand Championship title and will return to US competition after his stint in Europe.

http://tinyurl.com/ybaja8m

More Monday Morning News - More WSBK & ASBK

Althea Ducati is working very hard to help Shane Byrne get up to speed on his World Superbike machine. The team has a new bike, but Byrne says they are working incredibly well together. It should be noted that he did get the third fastest time at the Portimao test - even though this is his team's first time to work with Ducati.

http://tinyurl.com/ye3sa9w

Dunlop has secured itself as the control tire supplier to the Australian Superbike Championship again, this time for three more years. Also, they have announced the contingency plans. So, if you are curious or are in the series and want to know what to expect, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yb8bmxc

Monday Morning Moto News - Triumph and Althea Ducati

Triumph has announced their European competition plans. They will contest the World Supersport Championship with Gary McCoy and Chaz Davies. The other main announcement was the Triumph ParkinGO European Series, which is an all-European race series which does have full World Championship status. The release is a bit confusing, but I am sure you can figure it out. Though, it is not 'world' in the truest sense of the word.

http://tinyurl.com/ybof6ba

Over the weekend, the Althea Ducati team was officially introduced to the world's press. They will contest the World Superbike Championship in 2010 with riders Carlos Checa and Shane Byrne. They will be off to practice at Portimao in a few days and look to be situated for success. Take a look...

http://tinyurl.com/ydaqkrd

Shane Byrne Looking Forward to Battle of the Brits in WSBK

So far, there will be seven British riders on the World Superbike circuits in 2010 who have factory rides - that's a large contingent. Byrne is happy to see so many of his fellow countrymen on the grid and is relishing the challenge of it as soon as the season begins. Again, 2010 will be a great year for motorcycle racing!

http://tinyurl.com/yaq2nf5

Rumored Sale of Ducati and MV Agusta

This is only coming from an individual who was recently in Italy and paid close attention to the news and some people who may actually know this stuff. It seems that Ducati may indeed get purchased by VW - at least some 50% of the company. Fiat is also back in negotiations to potentially buy 50% of the Bologna manufacturer. It has also been said that Fiat is seriously considering purchasing MV Agusta and Cagiva from H-D - that would make things interesting, for sure!

http://tinyurl.com/ylqqsp3

Shane Byrne Signs With Althea Ducati for WSBK

In even more racing news, Byrne has moved on to the Althea Ducati team for the World Superbike Championship in 2010. He will ride alongside Carlos Checa on the race-spec Ducati 1198. Looks like World Superbike will not even miss Ben Spies - there are just too many great riders in that series in 2010...

http://tinyurl.com/ylk75n7

Carlos Checa Will Not Return to the MotoGP Paddock

Checa will not be on a Ducati MotoGP bike next year, but he will be in the World Superbike Championship riding a Ducati for the Althea team. So, he is quite happy to have a ride for 2010, especially after loosing his Ten Kate Honda ride. At least we will get to watch him race next year; he is talented and the Ducati might just help him challenge for the 2010 WSBK Championship...

http://tinyurl.com/ykgwdk2

http://tinyurl.com/yjbhuce