Stalwart title-winning outfit Althea Racing is to make a return to world championship competition after revealing itself as the latest team to join forces with Ducati for its return to the WorldSSP Championship.
The Italian team had become a mainstay in WorldSBK Championship since making its class debut in 2008, working with Honda, Ducati, Aprilia and BMW in that time, peaking with its romp to a dominant world title in 2011 with Carlos Checa on a Ducati 1098R.
However, after dropping off the grid in 2020 when it ended its collaboration with the privateer MIE Racing Honda squad, Althea Racing will return next season in the WorldSSP class with an entry to run Federico Caricasulo on a Ducati Panigale V2.
The fourth team to make the most of a change in the regulations to allow larger engine models into the class, Althea Racing joins Aruba.it Racing, Barni Racing and CM Racing in taking on the 955cc machinery.
“Althea did not need to return but I chose to do so because I believe that this Supersport is the category of the future," said Genesio Bevilacqua. "There are all the prerequisites for what our only aspiration has always been: to win by using our experience and our skills by racing with the best. This Supersport and its new regulations are truly an opportunity; competition is in our DNA and that's why we want to be there."
Leading its charge will be 2019 WorldSSP runner-up Caricasulo, who continues in his efforts to re-establish himself as a title contender following a disappointing single season at WorldSBK level in 2020 saw him return to the intermediate category in 2021.
“I’m really happy with the opportunity that Genesio is offering me. It was an unexpected proposal that I accepted immediately because it is a winning project with a team that certainly needs no introduction, and that I also followed as a fan.
“I like the idea of being the only rider in the team and I think it's the best situation to aim for certain results. After five years with Yamaha in which I believe I have grown a lot, it’s important for me to accept a new challenge that gives me the best motivation.
“I still have unfinished business with this category since 2019 and my only goal is to improve the results I have already achieved.”
