Checa testing Ducati GP12 today

'GPzero' taking place at Jerez over the next three days

2011 WSB CHAMPION Carlos Checa will be at Jerez for the next three days testing the Ducati Desmosedici GP12 at GPzero.

The Spaniard will join Franco Battaini to continue the development of the Desmosedici GP12 that Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will race next season. Alongside the new 1000cc engine for 2012, the bike also features an aluminium twin-beam frame (pics below) after the struggles Ducati had with the carbon monocoque chassis.

Rossi himself is doubtful to be attending the test at Jerez, as the Italian is taking part in this weekend's Monza rally that starts on Friday. He will race a WRC-prepped Ford Fiesta in the event.

Also at the test will be a host of teams and riders, including Colin Edwards making his debut for Forward Racing on the Suter/BMW CRT bike, the BMW World Superbike team of Leon Haslam and Marco Melandri and a number of Moto2 teams including; Aspar, Gresini, Marc VDS, Pons Racing and Tech3.