Ducati had a pretty good year in the World Superbike series. Not only did the Ducati team wrap up the rider's championship after Carlos Checa put in another dominating performance at Magny Cours, they also secured the manufacturer's championship. And on top of that, Davide Giugliano clinched the Superstock championship and gave Ducati win another manufacturer's title.
Carlos Checa had 14 race wins this year, 20 podiums, and gave Ducati its 17th Manufacturer's title.
"I'm so happy to win my first world title and so happy that I did it aboard a Ducati," said Carlos Checa. "My sincere thanks go to Team Althea Racing and everyone at Ducati who has worked hard to help me get these results. Together we've done a great job this year, immediately starting the season well against fast riders on very competitive bikes. From mid-season we started to think about the title, but when the pressure increased we never lost our concentration and now we're here. It's a great feeling! We're still looking forward, though, and now we're concentrating on a big finish to the season at the final race in Portimao."
President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio, said:
"I am very happy for the Riders' title and extremely proud of the Manufacturers' title. This significant achievement has now proved for the 17th time, Ducati's supremacy in the production-based series and confirmed the success of the 1198, not only on the track, but also commercially and as an example of our Italian design and creativity. Carlos has been fantastic. He is an exceptional rider, always professional and always a true "Ducatista" by displaying the same determination and spirit as our company and our motorcycles. Thanks again Carlos and particular thanks to everyone at Team Althea Racing and Ducati Corse and all the staff at Ducati who have contributed to this fantastic result. Winning the Riders' and Manufacturers' titles also in Superstock today have truly made this a fantastic Sunday and a memorable event that is very important for our company and our twin-cylinder heritage."
While a large portion of the celebration focused on Checa's dominance, Ducati rider Davide Giugliano clinched his fifth title. The 22-year-old, along with Magny Cours winner Danilo Petrucci, racked up more than 300 points during the 2011 Superstock season.
SBK Standings: Riders'
1. Carlos Checa (467) 2. Melandri (360) 3. Laverty (283) 4. Biaggi (281) 5. Haslam (216) 6. Camier (194) 7. Guintoli (179) 8. Haga (170) 9.Badovini (155) 10.Fabrizio (145).
SBK – Standings: Manufacturers'
1. Ducati (491) 2. Yamaha (415) 3. Aprilia (399) 4. BMW (261) 5. Kawasaki (209) 6. Honda (162) 7. Suzuki (162)
STK Standings: Riders'
1. Giugliano (171) 2.Petrucci (144) 3. Zanetti (137) 4.Barrier (112) 5. Canepa (109) 6. Baroni (70) 7. Antonelli (67) 8. Reiterberger (64) 9. Massei (61) 10. Morais (49)
STK – Satndings: Manufacturers'
1. Ducati (215) 2. BMW (173) 3. Kawasaki (83) 4. Honda (75) Yamaha (16)
