Carlos Checa just finished up a successful World Superbike season, but the Ducati rider will still be able to get in some more racing before the 2010 year is up. Carlos Checa will replace Mika Kallio at Pramac Ducati for the final two rounds of the 2010 MotoGP season.
Mika Kallio has confirmed that he will not be racing with Pramac Ducati for the final two rounds of the MotoGP. Pramac and Checa are expected to make an announcement later this week about their new partnership.
Kallio has been with the Pramac team since his MotoGP debut in 2009, but struggled this year with a shoulder injury.
"It is since Japan's race that the pain in my left shoulder, injured in Le Mans race, has become too intense," said Kallio. "I immediately talked to the team who understood my situation and agreed that I would try to race in Malaysia and Australia and then decide to continue or not in the last two races.
"Unfortunately, despite the good race today [11th], the pain didn't allow me to perform in the best way, and together with the Team, we decided to conclude our partnership today. It has been a hard choice for me, but in this way I'll be able to find the best physical condition and think about my future.
"I would like to thank Paolo Campinoti that was very helpful in managing this situation. I would like to also thank all the technical staff of the Pramac Racing Team with which I have found myself very well in this two years and I'll always remember them with great affection."
Kallio is expected to race in the Moto2 season next year. Checa will fill in for the final two races, but he is not looking for a home for 2011. Checa has already confirmed that he will be riding in the World Superbike series again next year.
